Acupuncture in Cattle and Pigs
Philip A.M. Rogers MRCVS
(1985, rewritten 1996)
(1985, rewritten 1996)
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Acupuncture (AP) is not miraculous; it has its failures. There are many reviews on the role of AP in the body's defence systems (Anon 1979a; Rogers et al 1977, 1981; Lin & Rogers 1980; Rogers and Limehouse 1990). It works by activating the physiological defence mechanisms of the body, thereby helping the body to help itself. It helps to restore function to all organs, parts and functions of the body if the following requirements are met:
a. the natural homoeostatic, adaptive and defence systems of the body are capable of responding,
b. appropriate AP points are used,
c. adequate stimuli are applied
Many serious and chronic disorders can be helped by AP: paralysis after a cerebrovascular accident; chronic pain; arthritic pain etc. Post-CVA paralysis may need 10-40 sessions of AP. In human patients, a long course of therapy is acceptable if there is a reasonable chance of success. However, in animals, attempts to treat many problems which could be helped by AP are judged to be uneconomic or unrealistic because of the work and veterinary fees involved in prolonged therapy. Most animal owners do not wish for a therapy which may need at least 6 treatment sessions. There are some exceptions, especially in valuable animals and in greatly loved family pets etc. Owners of racehorses, grey-hounds, pedigree breeding females and valuable stud males may accept AP for their animals. Because of the value of dairy cows, purebred beef cows and stud bulls, AP has a definite and wide range of indications in cattle. However, profit margins in pig production are very small and a pig, even a fattener, is worth little in comparison to the veterinary fees. Thus, many herd-owners would not consider AP for individual pigs if more than 1-2 sessions were needed. Therefore AP has few economic indications in pigs in the Western system, except in adult breeding stock (sows, gilts and boars). Furthermore, because of the difficulty involved in handling pigs, diagnostic AP using Shu, Mu and Trigger Points (TPs) has little practical role in pigs.
Most concepts in these papers are based on the human system of AP and on the results of transposition of the human system to dogs and horses.
My practical experience of AP in cattle is very limited. I have studied the literature on cattle AP and have seen it used by experts such as Oswald Kothbauer, Walter Greiff and the late Erwin Westermayer.
My practical experience of AP in pigs is zero but I am familiar with the literature and have seen it used by Kothbauer, Lin and Westermayer. In spite my relative inexperience of AP in cattle and pigs, the general concepts discussed in these papers can be applied successfully in practice.
The material for the seminar will be presented in two parts:
1. GENERAL CONCEPTS OF ACUPUNCTURE
2. SPECIFIC CLINICAL EXAMPLES OF AP IN CATTLE AND PIGS
Acupuncture (AP) is not miraculous; it has its failures. There are many reviews on the role of AP in the body's defence systems (Anon 1979a; Rogers et al 1977, 1981; Lin & Rogers 1980; Rogers and Limehouse 1990). It works by activating the physiological defence mechanisms of the body, thereby helping the body to help itself. It helps to restore function to all organs, parts and functions of the body if the following requirements are met:
a. the natural homoeostatic, adaptive and defence systems of the body are capable of responding,
b. appropriate AP points are used,
c. adequate stimuli are applied
Many serious and chronic disorders can be helped by AP: paralysis after a cerebrovascular accident; chronic pain; arthritic pain etc. Post-CVA paralysis may need 10-40 sessions of AP. In human patients, a long course of therapy is acceptable if there is a reasonable chance of success. However, in animals, attempts to treat many problems which could be helped by AP are judged to be uneconomic or unrealistic because of the work and veterinary fees involved in prolonged therapy. Most animal owners do not wish for a therapy which may need at least 6 treatment sessions. There are some exceptions, especially in valuable animals and in greatly loved family pets etc. Owners of racehorses, grey-hounds, pedigree breeding females and valuable stud males may accept AP for their animals. Because of the value of dairy cows, purebred beef cows and stud bulls, AP has a definite and wide range of indications in cattle. However, profit margins in pig production are very small and a pig, even a fattener, is worth little in comparison to the veterinary fees. Thus, many herd-owners would not consider AP for individual pigs if more than 1-2 sessions were needed. Therefore AP has few economic indications in pigs in the Western system, except in adult breeding stock (sows, gilts and boars). Furthermore, because of the difficulty involved in handling pigs, diagnostic AP using Shu, Mu and Trigger Points (TPs) has little practical role in pigs.
Most concepts in these papers are based on the human system of AP and on the results of transposition of the human system to dogs and horses.
My practical experience of AP in cattle is very limited. I have studied the literature on cattle AP and have seen it used by experts such as Oswald Kothbauer, Walter Greiff and the late Erwin Westermayer.
My practical experience of AP in pigs is zero but I am familiar with the literature and have seen it used by Kothbauer, Lin and Westermayer. In spite my relative inexperience of AP in cattle and pigs, the general concepts discussed in these papers can be applied successfully in practice.
The material for the seminar will be presented in two parts:
1. GENERAL CONCEPTS OF ACUPUNCTURE
2. SPECIFIC CLINICAL EXAMPLES OF AP IN CATTLE AND PIGS
SUMMARY
1. Modern concepts of AP mechanisms include mediation by the peripheral and central nervous system, the autonomic, neuroendocrine and endocrine systems. AP diagnosis may be pragmatic, using "western concepts" of the major symptoms and signs to identify the organs or parts involved. It can be assisted by reactivity at Shu, Mu, TPs and AhShi points. The importance of these reactive points in diagnosis and therapy is emphasised. In AP therapy, the stimulus is given to reactive areas linked to the affected organ, part or function. Signals are sent to the spinal cord and brain by the sensory nerves. The output response is via segmental, intersegmental and supraspinal reflexes and autonomic, neuroendocrine or endocrine mechanisms. These responses may be specific or generalised.
2. Vets can learn the human Channel system easily. Great emphasis is put on the AP points of the paravertebral (BL) Channel, the paravertebral HuaToJiaJi (X 35) points and the midline Channels, CV (ventral) and GV (dorsal). Beginners should learn the use of these points first. Methods of point selection for therapy can include "Prescription" or "Cookbook" AP. Points for various conditions in humans are listed.
3. Points in cattle can be located by subjective transposition of the human AP system. The author's transposition is given for the main points in the cow. It is left to the reader to do the exercise for the pig.
4. Although many methods of point stimulation are used, injection, stapling and simple needling of the AP points are the most practical methods. Moxa can be used in chronic cases and "cold" diseases. Electro-AP (EAP) is almost essential for good surgical hypoalgesia. Laser-AP has some enthusiastic users (especially in horses, small animals and humans). The higher power Lasers (mean output power 20-50 mW) may have a role as a substitute for needles in cattle and pigs but more research is needed on this.
INTRODUCTION
Acupuncture (AP) in large animals differs from AP in small animals, in that there are traditional AP charts and methods for large animals but none for small animals. In small animals, AP is practised by one method only, the transposition of concepts of human AP to the animal. In this method, the location, function and uses of the human AP point system are applied to the small animal, making suitable adjustments for differences in anatomy and nerve supply to the various organs.
In large animals, occidental vets, unable to obtain or decipher the oriental traditional veterinary texts, developed a similar transposition system of AP for large animals. Therefore, two systems of AP in large animals exist today: the Traditional system and the Transposition system.
In Part 1 of this seminar, four main topics will be discussed:
1.1 Modern concepts of AP (mechanisms and diagnosis)
1.2 The human system of AP and methods of choosing points
1.3 Location of some important AP points in cattle by transposition
1.4 Methods of stimulation of the AP points in cattle and pigs
1.1 MODERN CONCEPTS of AP (MECHANISMS AND DIAGNOSIS)
There are some fundamental concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which are acceptable to workers trained in the "western" style also: The organism (psyche and soma) is influenced by external environment. External forces include: diet, poisons, climate, trauma, infections, extra-terrestrial forces etc.
The organism (psyche and soma) is influenced by internal environment. Internal forces include: genetics, basic resistance (vital energy, Qi, immune competence, autonomic and neuroendocrine balance, psychological balance etc), balanced blood circulation, especially microcirculation in vital organs such as brain, heart, kidney and liver.
The body, its organs and functions is one complete unit. One function or part can influence another. Disease in one part is reflected in changes in other parts.
1.1.A AP mechanisms
The body has its own adaptive-defence-healing systems. All good medicine (western or eastern) attempts to activate the homoeostatic mechanisms to keep the various organs, functions and energies in perfect balance. Imbalance = disease. Balance = health.
When an organ, part or function is imbalanced (in disorder) changes occur elsewhere via viscerocutaneous, viscerosomatic, viscerovisceral reflexes. These changes can aid diagnosis (see later). The reverse is also true. Stimuli applied to the skin, superficial muscles and the nerves related to an affected organ can induce homoeostasis in the organ. The effect is mediated by reflexes (cutaneovisceral, somatovisceral etc), as well as by autonomic, neuroendocrine and endocrine mechanisms.
Thus, diagnostic or therapeutic change at one part, reflected elsewhere, is mediated by the nervous, neuroendocrine and endocrine-humeral systems. Segmental, intersegmental and supraspinal reflexes are involved.
In many painful conditions, especially of myofascial origin (muscle pain, sprain, rheumatism, myositis etc), localised areas in muscle and fascia may act as TPs. TPs arise also in arthritis and in disorders of thoracic, abdominal and other internal organs. They often lie in the paravertebral area but may occur anywhere in the body. Reactive (tender) points on scar tissue, traumatised periosteum or infected tooth sockets can also contain TPs.
A TP is a local focus of irritation which maintains the clinical pain (and sometimes autonomic disorders) elsewhere long after the original cause has disappeared or resolved. As long as the TPs remain, the clinical condition will not resolve fully. It is vital to locate and neutralise the TPs. This requires a careful, inch-by-inch search of the body, as the patient is usually unaware of the TPs until they are probed or needled. They are very painful when probed or electrically stimulated and they refer pain to the area of clinical complaint, which may be near the TP, but often is quite far away.
The concept of the AhShi point is most important in TCM. AhShi means "Ah Yes!" or "Ouch !", the exclamation of the human patient when the point is probed or needled. The AhShi is a point that is reactive (tender) to palpation pressure. However, there are two types of reactive point: local tenderness only and local tenderness plus referral of pain elsewhere (TP). Thus, all TPs are AhShi points but AhShi points are not all TPs. Among the AhShi points, the TP is the most important diagnostically and therapeutically.
TPs are of use in diagnosis because they arise in predictable locations in relation to areas of subjective pain in humans. The most comprehensive text on human TPs is by Travell and Simons (1984, 1985) but other articles on TPs are given in the references at the end of part 2.
TPs are poorly researched and documented in animals and Janssens (1984) is one of the first vets to document TPs in dogs although all vets using AP will have used TPs (possibly classed as AhShi points) routinely. Much more work is needed to document animal TPs to the extent that Travell and Simons have done for humans.
In humans and dogs, the location of TPs often corresponds with that of documented AP points on the Channels. This is especially seen in the Shu (paravertebral Reflex) and Mu (Alarm) points in humans (see later).
TP therapy is a physical therapy similar to simple AP. Dry needling, ultrasound, injection of procaine or non-isotonic B12/saline solution or other agents at the TPs frequently results in instantaneous relief of pain and the associated functional disorder (e.g. tremor or autonomic disorder). TP therapy alone, without any knowledge of AP, can give 60-70% success in suitable cases of human or animal disease.
The abdominal and thoracic organs are innervated by branches from spinal nerves as well as branches from the cervicolumbar sympathetic and craniosacral parasympathetic nerves. According to the principle of reflex action, stimulation of any point in an area whose nerve supply is common to that of an affected organ should influence that organ and any irritation of the organ should be reflected in changes in reactivity at the body segments innervated by the common supply.
Thus, in diagnostic and therapeutic AP, relationships between an affected organ and its AP points, TPs and AhShi points are mediated by the peripheral and central system and their reflexes (Mann 1977). However, there are many examples which show that points NOT in the same or nearby spinal segments can have powerful therapeutic effect also. For example, in acute spasm of neck muscles in humans, immediate relief may follow needling of points GB39 or ST38 on the lateral side of the lower tibial area. Also, the schools of AP which use Earpoints in humans claim that needling the reactive earpoints which correspond to the affected organ or joint etc can have very good therapeutic effect. Diagnostic or therapeutic action at points distant from the problem can be explained by intersegmental or supraspinal nerve reflexes.
Earpoint AP is not sufficiently developed in animals to be a reliable alternative to body point AP at this time. However, there is increasing evidence in many species (horse, ox, dog, rabbit) that the animal ear contains reflex points for major organs and parts, as is the case for man (Oleson et al 1980). No practical details of ear AP in cattle or pigs can be given in this seminar.
1.1.B AP diagnosis
In TCM, disease is classified in many ways: the Eight Types; the Channel involved; the effects of the Perverse Climatic Evils etc. Diagnostic tests included reading the Chinese Pulses, looking, listening, feeling and smelling.
This type of diagnosis would be meaningless to those not trained in TCM. For those fully trained in TCM, however, the traditional diagnostic descriptors and methods indicated the AP points necessary to correct the imbalance of vital energy.
In recent textbooks from China and in AP (as practised, for instance in the Veterans Hospital Taipei), little attention is given to esoteric aspects of diagnosis and choice of points for therapy. Instead, diagnosis is by "western" methods and choice of points is by pragmatic "Cookbook" prescription. However, the Shu and Mu points are regarded as very important in diagnosis of human problems.
When a major internal organ is imbalanced, predictable areas along the spine (the Shu or Reflex points along the bladder Channel) and on the anterior or lateral side of the thorax or abdomen (the Mu or Alarm points) often become reactive (tender) to pressure palpation. Tables 1 and 2 and figures 1 and 2 show the location of the Shu and Mu points in humans. The combination of Shu and Mu point (or points near them) is also very helpful in treating abnormal function of an affected organ.
In Traditional Chinese Vet Medicine (TCVM), the Channel system is poorly developed and pulse diagnosis is rarely used in animals. Therefore, in TCVM, diagnosis depended mainly on local knowledge, knowledge of seasonal diseases and especially on searching for the reactive points and identification of the major signs and symptoms.
Vet AP, as practised in the west, is only a small part of a total (holistic) approach to health care. AP is sometimes used alone, sometimes with other therapies. In most cases, it is NOT used at all. When it is used, diagnosis is based mainly on western concepts of pathophysiology, with identification of the major signs, symptoms and organs involved and the reactive points. In vet AP, treatment can be pragmatic also. Reactive points and points for the affected organ or part with points for the major symptoms are needled, with useful results.
Diagnosis by AP methods can complement diagnosis by western methods. For example, a western diagnosis may be impossible in some cases of a "downer cows" i.e. cows recumbent after calving, despite injections of Ca, Mg, P salts and despite elimination of all the common causes of recumbency. In this case, "downer cow" is not a diagnosis. It is merely a descriptor. The vet might suspect weakness of the liver (fatty liver) and lumbosacral strain as being the most important causes of the recumbency. Treatment might be non-specific liver tonics (Parenterovite or Flor de Piedra (homoeopathic) together with AP at points from vertebra T10-L3 (for its effect on liver, kidney and adrenals) and point BaiHui (lumbosacral space) with Zu San Li (3 body inches (tsun) below the patella and lateral to the tibial crest) for their effect in hindquarter weakness and general vitality.
In other cases no attempt is made to make an AP diagnosis. For instance, in acute purulent interdigital inflammation in cattle the western diagnosis of "foul-in-the-foot" due to B.necrosis and C.pyogenes would be treated usually by antibiotic or sulphonamide injection, with (maybe) footbaths of 5% copper- or zinc- sulphate.
1.2 THE HUMAN SYSTEM OF AP AND WAYS TO CHOOSE POINTS
1.2.A The human AP system
In TCM, the Vital Energy (Qi) was thought to circulate in pathways through-out the body. Each pathway (Channel) had a superficial and deep course. The superficial course ran in the skin and muscles and had linking branches to other superficial Channels. The deep course penetrated to the interior of the body to link with its organ and with other Channels.
Thus, the body with all its parts, organs and functions was seen as a unit, bathed in a sea of Vital Energy (Qi), which flowed through the superficial and deep course of the Channels. Along the superficial course were specific zones or points where the Energy was concentrated. These were the AP points: points where energy could enter or leave the body under the normal adaptive conditions and where the body could be harmed (by trauma, as in the martial arts) or helped (as in AP) by stimuli applied to them.
The AP points had diagnostic value: reactivity to palpation along a Channel suggested disease of that Channel or its organ. They also had therapeutic value: AP stimuli to the points of the affected Channel and other related points could restore normal function in the affected organ-Channel system.
TCM describes 12 bilaterally symmetrical Channels. AP points on each one reflect and control the metabolic and TCM functions of the same organ, the anatomical structures traversed by the Channel and the organs which are near the Channel. For instance, the stomach (upper abdomen) lies under the CV, KI, ST, SP, LV, GB, BL and GV Channels. Points on any of these Channels, especially points in areas innervated by spinal nerves T8-T12, can influence stomach function.
Each point on a Channel influences the same basic functions as its Channel but especially the local structures and functions. Some points have special, wide-ranging functions. These special points included the 60 POINTS OF COMMAND (the Five Element points: 12 x 5 = 60) which were used in Energetic AP and which will not be discussed further. They also included special points, such as SOURCE (Yuan), PASSAGE (Luo), ACCUMULATION (Xi), TONIFICATION and SEDATION points.
As well as the 12 pairs of Channels, two other Channels were described: the RenMo (CV) and the DuMo (GV) (table 3). They run in the ventral and dorsal midline respectively and have powerful effects on the internal organs, especially those which lie close to or posterior to the CV or GV points.
The points of the paravertebral (BL) Channel, the HuaToJiaJi points (see later) and those of the CV and GV Channels are most important in AP. AP students should learn the uses of these points at the start of their studies. They can study other points and Channels later.
Details of the human Channel system and the AP points are in standard texts (Anon 1980a; Lee and Cheung 1978; O'Connor and Bensky 1983).
1.2.B Methods of choosing AP points in humans
A diagnosis is necessary before selecting points for therapy. The diagnostic methods of TCM are very strange and are unacceptable to many western-trained professionals. Those interested in the methods may wish to read Connolly (1979), Porkert (1983), Austin (1972) Wu Wei P'ing (1973) and Anon (1980a).
A much more simple method of choosing points is based on determining the main signs and symptoms and the organs, parts or nerves affected. Then points are chosen by the application of about 13 Ancient Laws and two modern laws, or Cookbook AP is used. This method is discussed in the paper "Choice of Acupuncture Points for Particular Conditions" which you are invited to read before going on to the next section (1.3).
1. Modern concepts of AP mechanisms include mediation by the peripheral and central nervous system, the autonomic, neuroendocrine and endocrine systems. AP diagnosis may be pragmatic, using "western concepts" of the major symptoms and signs to identify the organs or parts involved. It can be assisted by reactivity at Shu, Mu, TPs and AhShi points. The importance of these reactive points in diagnosis and therapy is emphasised. In AP therapy, the stimulus is given to reactive areas linked to the affected organ, part or function. Signals are sent to the spinal cord and brain by the sensory nerves. The output response is via segmental, intersegmental and supraspinal reflexes and autonomic, neuroendocrine or endocrine mechanisms. These responses may be specific or generalised.
2. Vets can learn the human Channel system easily. Great emphasis is put on the AP points of the paravertebral (BL) Channel, the paravertebral HuaToJiaJi (X 35) points and the midline Channels, CV (ventral) and GV (dorsal). Beginners should learn the use of these points first. Methods of point selection for therapy can include "Prescription" or "Cookbook" AP. Points for various conditions in humans are listed.
3. Points in cattle can be located by subjective transposition of the human AP system. The author's transposition is given for the main points in the cow. It is left to the reader to do the exercise for the pig.
4. Although many methods of point stimulation are used, injection, stapling and simple needling of the AP points are the most practical methods. Moxa can be used in chronic cases and "cold" diseases. Electro-AP (EAP) is almost essential for good surgical hypoalgesia. Laser-AP has some enthusiastic users (especially in horses, small animals and humans). The higher power Lasers (mean output power 20-50 mW) may have a role as a substitute for needles in cattle and pigs but more research is needed on this.
INTRODUCTION
Acupuncture (AP) in large animals differs from AP in small animals, in that there are traditional AP charts and methods for large animals but none for small animals. In small animals, AP is practised by one method only, the transposition of concepts of human AP to the animal. In this method, the location, function and uses of the human AP point system are applied to the small animal, making suitable adjustments for differences in anatomy and nerve supply to the various organs.
In large animals, occidental vets, unable to obtain or decipher the oriental traditional veterinary texts, developed a similar transposition system of AP for large animals. Therefore, two systems of AP in large animals exist today: the Traditional system and the Transposition system.
In Part 1 of this seminar, four main topics will be discussed:
1.1 Modern concepts of AP (mechanisms and diagnosis)
1.2 The human system of AP and methods of choosing points
1.3 Location of some important AP points in cattle by transposition
1.4 Methods of stimulation of the AP points in cattle and pigs
1.1 MODERN CONCEPTS of AP (MECHANISMS AND DIAGNOSIS)
There are some fundamental concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which are acceptable to workers trained in the "western" style also: The organism (psyche and soma) is influenced by external environment. External forces include: diet, poisons, climate, trauma, infections, extra-terrestrial forces etc.
The organism (psyche and soma) is influenced by internal environment. Internal forces include: genetics, basic resistance (vital energy, Qi, immune competence, autonomic and neuroendocrine balance, psychological balance etc), balanced blood circulation, especially microcirculation in vital organs such as brain, heart, kidney and liver.
The body, its organs and functions is one complete unit. One function or part can influence another. Disease in one part is reflected in changes in other parts.
1.1.A AP mechanisms
The body has its own adaptive-defence-healing systems. All good medicine (western or eastern) attempts to activate the homoeostatic mechanisms to keep the various organs, functions and energies in perfect balance. Imbalance = disease. Balance = health.
When an organ, part or function is imbalanced (in disorder) changes occur elsewhere via viscerocutaneous, viscerosomatic, viscerovisceral reflexes. These changes can aid diagnosis (see later). The reverse is also true. Stimuli applied to the skin, superficial muscles and the nerves related to an affected organ can induce homoeostasis in the organ. The effect is mediated by reflexes (cutaneovisceral, somatovisceral etc), as well as by autonomic, neuroendocrine and endocrine mechanisms.
Thus, diagnostic or therapeutic change at one part, reflected elsewhere, is mediated by the nervous, neuroendocrine and endocrine-humeral systems. Segmental, intersegmental and supraspinal reflexes are involved.
In many painful conditions, especially of myofascial origin (muscle pain, sprain, rheumatism, myositis etc), localised areas in muscle and fascia may act as TPs. TPs arise also in arthritis and in disorders of thoracic, abdominal and other internal organs. They often lie in the paravertebral area but may occur anywhere in the body. Reactive (tender) points on scar tissue, traumatised periosteum or infected tooth sockets can also contain TPs.
A TP is a local focus of irritation which maintains the clinical pain (and sometimes autonomic disorders) elsewhere long after the original cause has disappeared or resolved. As long as the TPs remain, the clinical condition will not resolve fully. It is vital to locate and neutralise the TPs. This requires a careful, inch-by-inch search of the body, as the patient is usually unaware of the TPs until they are probed or needled. They are very painful when probed or electrically stimulated and they refer pain to the area of clinical complaint, which may be near the TP, but often is quite far away.
The concept of the AhShi point is most important in TCM. AhShi means "Ah Yes!" or "Ouch !", the exclamation of the human patient when the point is probed or needled. The AhShi is a point that is reactive (tender) to palpation pressure. However, there are two types of reactive point: local tenderness only and local tenderness plus referral of pain elsewhere (TP). Thus, all TPs are AhShi points but AhShi points are not all TPs. Among the AhShi points, the TP is the most important diagnostically and therapeutically.
TPs are of use in diagnosis because they arise in predictable locations in relation to areas of subjective pain in humans. The most comprehensive text on human TPs is by Travell and Simons (1984, 1985) but other articles on TPs are given in the references at the end of part 2.
TPs are poorly researched and documented in animals and Janssens (1984) is one of the first vets to document TPs in dogs although all vets using AP will have used TPs (possibly classed as AhShi points) routinely. Much more work is needed to document animal TPs to the extent that Travell and Simons have done for humans.
In humans and dogs, the location of TPs often corresponds with that of documented AP points on the Channels. This is especially seen in the Shu (paravertebral Reflex) and Mu (Alarm) points in humans (see later).
TP therapy is a physical therapy similar to simple AP. Dry needling, ultrasound, injection of procaine or non-isotonic B12/saline solution or other agents at the TPs frequently results in instantaneous relief of pain and the associated functional disorder (e.g. tremor or autonomic disorder). TP therapy alone, without any knowledge of AP, can give 60-70% success in suitable cases of human or animal disease.
The abdominal and thoracic organs are innervated by branches from spinal nerves as well as branches from the cervicolumbar sympathetic and craniosacral parasympathetic nerves. According to the principle of reflex action, stimulation of any point in an area whose nerve supply is common to that of an affected organ should influence that organ and any irritation of the organ should be reflected in changes in reactivity at the body segments innervated by the common supply.
Thus, in diagnostic and therapeutic AP, relationships between an affected organ and its AP points, TPs and AhShi points are mediated by the peripheral and central system and their reflexes (Mann 1977). However, there are many examples which show that points NOT in the same or nearby spinal segments can have powerful therapeutic effect also. For example, in acute spasm of neck muscles in humans, immediate relief may follow needling of points GB39 or ST38 on the lateral side of the lower tibial area. Also, the schools of AP which use Earpoints in humans claim that needling the reactive earpoints which correspond to the affected organ or joint etc can have very good therapeutic effect. Diagnostic or therapeutic action at points distant from the problem can be explained by intersegmental or supraspinal nerve reflexes.
Earpoint AP is not sufficiently developed in animals to be a reliable alternative to body point AP at this time. However, there is increasing evidence in many species (horse, ox, dog, rabbit) that the animal ear contains reflex points for major organs and parts, as is the case for man (Oleson et al 1980). No practical details of ear AP in cattle or pigs can be given in this seminar.
1.1.B AP diagnosis
In TCM, disease is classified in many ways: the Eight Types; the Channel involved; the effects of the Perverse Climatic Evils etc. Diagnostic tests included reading the Chinese Pulses, looking, listening, feeling and smelling.
This type of diagnosis would be meaningless to those not trained in TCM. For those fully trained in TCM, however, the traditional diagnostic descriptors and methods indicated the AP points necessary to correct the imbalance of vital energy.
In recent textbooks from China and in AP (as practised, for instance in the Veterans Hospital Taipei), little attention is given to esoteric aspects of diagnosis and choice of points for therapy. Instead, diagnosis is by "western" methods and choice of points is by pragmatic "Cookbook" prescription. However, the Shu and Mu points are regarded as very important in diagnosis of human problems.
When a major internal organ is imbalanced, predictable areas along the spine (the Shu or Reflex points along the bladder Channel) and on the anterior or lateral side of the thorax or abdomen (the Mu or Alarm points) often become reactive (tender) to pressure palpation. Tables 1 and 2 and figures 1 and 2 show the location of the Shu and Mu points in humans. The combination of Shu and Mu point (or points near them) is also very helpful in treating abnormal function of an affected organ.
In Traditional Chinese Vet Medicine (TCVM), the Channel system is poorly developed and pulse diagnosis is rarely used in animals. Therefore, in TCVM, diagnosis depended mainly on local knowledge, knowledge of seasonal diseases and especially on searching for the reactive points and identification of the major signs and symptoms.
Vet AP, as practised in the west, is only a small part of a total (holistic) approach to health care. AP is sometimes used alone, sometimes with other therapies. In most cases, it is NOT used at all. When it is used, diagnosis is based mainly on western concepts of pathophysiology, with identification of the major signs, symptoms and organs involved and the reactive points. In vet AP, treatment can be pragmatic also. Reactive points and points for the affected organ or part with points for the major symptoms are needled, with useful results.
Diagnosis by AP methods can complement diagnosis by western methods. For example, a western diagnosis may be impossible in some cases of a "downer cows" i.e. cows recumbent after calving, despite injections of Ca, Mg, P salts and despite elimination of all the common causes of recumbency. In this case, "downer cow" is not a diagnosis. It is merely a descriptor. The vet might suspect weakness of the liver (fatty liver) and lumbosacral strain as being the most important causes of the recumbency. Treatment might be non-specific liver tonics (Parenterovite or Flor de Piedra (homoeopathic) together with AP at points from vertebra T10-L3 (for its effect on liver, kidney and adrenals) and point BaiHui (lumbosacral space) with Zu San Li (3 body inches (tsun) below the patella and lateral to the tibial crest) for their effect in hindquarter weakness and general vitality.
In other cases no attempt is made to make an AP diagnosis. For instance, in acute purulent interdigital inflammation in cattle the western diagnosis of "foul-in-the-foot" due to B.necrosis and C.pyogenes would be treated usually by antibiotic or sulphonamide injection, with (maybe) footbaths of 5% copper- or zinc- sulphate.
1.2 THE HUMAN SYSTEM OF AP AND WAYS TO CHOOSE POINTS
1.2.A The human AP system
In TCM, the Vital Energy (Qi) was thought to circulate in pathways through-out the body. Each pathway (Channel) had a superficial and deep course. The superficial course ran in the skin and muscles and had linking branches to other superficial Channels. The deep course penetrated to the interior of the body to link with its organ and with other Channels.
Thus, the body with all its parts, organs and functions was seen as a unit, bathed in a sea of Vital Energy (Qi), which flowed through the superficial and deep course of the Channels. Along the superficial course were specific zones or points where the Energy was concentrated. These were the AP points: points where energy could enter or leave the body under the normal adaptive conditions and where the body could be harmed (by trauma, as in the martial arts) or helped (as in AP) by stimuli applied to them.
The AP points had diagnostic value: reactivity to palpation along a Channel suggested disease of that Channel or its organ. They also had therapeutic value: AP stimuli to the points of the affected Channel and other related points could restore normal function in the affected organ-Channel system.
TCM describes 12 bilaterally symmetrical Channels. AP points on each one reflect and control the metabolic and TCM functions of the same organ, the anatomical structures traversed by the Channel and the organs which are near the Channel. For instance, the stomach (upper abdomen) lies under the CV, KI, ST, SP, LV, GB, BL and GV Channels. Points on any of these Channels, especially points in areas innervated by spinal nerves T8-T12, can influence stomach function.
Each point on a Channel influences the same basic functions as its Channel but especially the local structures and functions. Some points have special, wide-ranging functions. These special points included the 60 POINTS OF COMMAND (the Five Element points: 12 x 5 = 60) which were used in Energetic AP and which will not be discussed further. They also included special points, such as SOURCE (Yuan), PASSAGE (Luo), ACCUMULATION (Xi), TONIFICATION and SEDATION points.
As well as the 12 pairs of Channels, two other Channels were described: the RenMo (CV) and the DuMo (GV) (table 3). They run in the ventral and dorsal midline respectively and have powerful effects on the internal organs, especially those which lie close to or posterior to the CV or GV points.
The points of the paravertebral (BL) Channel, the HuaToJiaJi points (see later) and those of the CV and GV Channels are most important in AP. AP students should learn the uses of these points at the start of their studies. They can study other points and Channels later.
Details of the human Channel system and the AP points are in standard texts (Anon 1980a; Lee and Cheung 1978; O'Connor and Bensky 1983).
1.2.B Methods of choosing AP points in humans
A diagnosis is necessary before selecting points for therapy. The diagnostic methods of TCM are very strange and are unacceptable to many western-trained professionals. Those interested in the methods may wish to read Connolly (1979), Porkert (1983), Austin (1972) Wu Wei P'ing (1973) and Anon (1980a).
A much more simple method of choosing points is based on determining the main signs and symptoms and the organs, parts or nerves affected. Then points are chosen by the application of about 13 Ancient Laws and two modern laws, or Cookbook AP is used. This method is discussed in the paper "Choice of Acupuncture Points for Particular Conditions" which you are invited to read before going on to the next section (1.3).
1.3 LOCATION OF IMPORTANT AP POINTS IN CATTLE BY TRANSPOSITION
Location of AP points in animals can be by:
a. following Traditional Texts (see part 2).
b. by reference to charts based on results of provocation experiments or clinical association of reactive points with disease of specific organs
c. by Transposition from humans.
Oswald Kothbauer (Austria), documented the paravertebral reflex (Shu) points in cattle. He injected irritant solutions into specific organs (cervix, ovary, uterus, kidney etc) and then searched for provoked reflex changes in the paravertebral area, using an electrical "Pain Point Detector". This instrument detected points of low electrical resistance (high conductivity). High conductance corresponded with reactivity to pressure-probing and the points could also be found by searching with a blunt scissors or other probe. When the reflex points were located by the probe (electrical or mechanical), the cow reacted by kicking or trying to escape or vocalising etc, due to increased reactivity to palpation or pain stimuli applied to the reflex point.
Figures 3a-3c show Kothbauer's diagnostic points. They are in two categories:
a. Reflex points and Alarm points. The relationships to the organs are shown in Table 4. The Reflex points are located mainly on the BL Channel in the transposition system.
b. Alarm points are located more ventrolaterally.
Both types of points are located in areas linked to the affected organs by the spinal nerves. They are also located at or near areas predictable from a knowledge of the Shu and Mu points in humans. Thus, Kothbauer's points are very similar to paravertebral TPs, Shu and Mu points in humans and have similar diagnostic and therapeutic uses.
Through years of clinical observation, Kothbauer, Greiff, the late Dr. Westermayer and others have documented "pain points" (reactive points, AhShi points, TPs) in the paravertebral area in cases of specific organ pathology. In general, these points agree with Kothbauer's points.
Provocation experiments has been done in pigs also (Schupbach 1985). He injected irritant solution into the body or horn of the uterus of mini-pigs. Using computer-controlled infra-red thermography, he located specific zones on the skin of the lumbosacral area which became "Hot Spots" within 10-40 minutes (average 25 minutes) after irritation of the body or horn of the uterus. These "Hot Spots" related well with classical AP points known to be related to the uterus and cervix (points over the iliac wing, lumbosacral space, sacral foramina and anterior coccygeal area (BL26.3,27-34, BaiHui, WEIKEN etc). Figure 4 shows the reflex "Hot Zone" and the warmest point (WP). In his experiments, Schupbach attempted to correlate "hot Spots" with points of low electrical resistance. The correlation was NOT significant. Many low resistance points were found but infrared thermography was more accurate at locating the reflex zones.
In further experiments (at the Vet School, Zurich), Schupbach used electrodes implanted in the uterus of mini-pigs to monitor myometrial activity following needling of the main "Hot Spot" (BL26.3, over the iliac wing). AP stimulation caused definite increase in uterine contraction.
Pending future systematic, detailed study of reflex points in animals, the human transposition system is still very useful. However, transposition of human point locations to animals is subjective because of anatomical differences between species and because of the experience and individual concepts of the practitioner. Points like BL23, ST36, GB34, LI11, GB20, BaiHui (lumbosacral space) present no problem but points on the digits and points in the intercostal spaces or along the vertebrae are more controversial, because of differences in digital anatomy and vertebrae.
Humans have the following number of vertebrae: Cervical (C) = 7; Thoracic (T) = 12; Lumbar (L) = 5; Sacral (S) = 5.
In cattle/pigs, the number is: C=7/7; T=13/15; L=6/6; S=5/5 respectively. Thus, one author may differ somewhat from another in locating points. I believe that this is not very important for clinical success using AP. All the evidence suggests that AP works via the nervous system. Therefore, AP stimuli given NEAR "correct" points would be expected to have similar effects to those from stimulation of "correct" points. Considerable scope exists for individual preference in location and selection of AP points.
Although the published and personal communications of Kothbauer, Westermayer and Yu & Hwang (1990) have been the main source of my information for cattle AP, the transposition of each point has been mine (taking my Masters' locations as well as human locations into account).
There is no internationally accepted nomenclature or charting for the transposition of points from humans to animals at this time. The International Vet Acupuncture Society (IVAS) plans to produce an agreed set of Standard Charts. Pending this development, each vet must construct a personal set or must use a set, such as by Kothbauer or Westermayer. In this paper, I attempt to construct a transposition for the cow. Thus, in the section that follows, some locations agree closely or exactly with those of my Masters; some do not. Responsibility for any errors is mine.
These locations may be used with the Cookbook prescriptions given in the attached paper ("CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS").
Figure 5 shows the transposition of the Shu and Mu points from human to cow.
Figure 6 shows the transposition of the Shu and Mu points from human to pig. I do not attempt to prepare a complete transposition system for the pig. (Try this yourselves). The same principles may be used in pigs, as in other species.
Some points in humans are not so important to know. Others are essential. The same comment applies to animal AP. In the descriptions of point locations which follow, I have omitted some points. This was for one of four reasons:
a. they are inaccessible;
b. they are not important (other points can be used instead);
c. their location can be estimated from that of points on the same Channel; or
d. their location is very uncertain because of anatomical difficulties.
The Chinese names of the more important points are given below but the names of ALL points are given in APPENDIX 1 of the paper on the "Choice of points for particular conditions".
In the sections which follow, the following abbreviations are used:
A.= artery
ant.= anterior
ant. to= in front of
C4= 4th cervical vertebra
CCJ= chondrocostal junction (rib-cartilage)
Co4= 4th coccygeal vertebra
ext.= external
ICS= intercostal space
int.= internal
J.= joint, junction
L4= 4th lumbar vertebra
lat.= lateral
M.= muscle
med.= medial
N.= nerve
post.= posterior
SCJ= sternocostal junction
S4= 4th sacral vertebra
T4= 4th thoracic vertebra
TMJ= temporomandibular-joint
units of measurement: 1H (1 hand) = 4 fingerwidths; 1F=1 fingerwidth
"= inch or tsun or cun or Chinese Unit of body measurement
V.= vein
CV line= Conception Vessel line=ventral midline (anus to navel to lower lip)
GV line= Governing Vessel line = dorsal midline (anus to lumbosacral space to inside of upper lip)
Location of AP points in animals can be by:
a. following Traditional Texts (see part 2).
b. by reference to charts based on results of provocation experiments or clinical association of reactive points with disease of specific organs
c. by Transposition from humans.
Oswald Kothbauer (Austria), documented the paravertebral reflex (Shu) points in cattle. He injected irritant solutions into specific organs (cervix, ovary, uterus, kidney etc) and then searched for provoked reflex changes in the paravertebral area, using an electrical "Pain Point Detector". This instrument detected points of low electrical resistance (high conductivity). High conductance corresponded with reactivity to pressure-probing and the points could also be found by searching with a blunt scissors or other probe. When the reflex points were located by the probe (electrical or mechanical), the cow reacted by kicking or trying to escape or vocalising etc, due to increased reactivity to palpation or pain stimuli applied to the reflex point.
Figures 3a-3c show Kothbauer's diagnostic points. They are in two categories:
a. Reflex points and Alarm points. The relationships to the organs are shown in Table 4. The Reflex points are located mainly on the BL Channel in the transposition system.
b. Alarm points are located more ventrolaterally.
Both types of points are located in areas linked to the affected organs by the spinal nerves. They are also located at or near areas predictable from a knowledge of the Shu and Mu points in humans. Thus, Kothbauer's points are very similar to paravertebral TPs, Shu and Mu points in humans and have similar diagnostic and therapeutic uses.
Through years of clinical observation, Kothbauer, Greiff, the late Dr. Westermayer and others have documented "pain points" (reactive points, AhShi points, TPs) in the paravertebral area in cases of specific organ pathology. In general, these points agree with Kothbauer's points.
Provocation experiments has been done in pigs also (Schupbach 1985). He injected irritant solution into the body or horn of the uterus of mini-pigs. Using computer-controlled infra-red thermography, he located specific zones on the skin of the lumbosacral area which became "Hot Spots" within 10-40 minutes (average 25 minutes) after irritation of the body or horn of the uterus. These "Hot Spots" related well with classical AP points known to be related to the uterus and cervix (points over the iliac wing, lumbosacral space, sacral foramina and anterior coccygeal area (BL26.3,27-34, BaiHui, WEIKEN etc). Figure 4 shows the reflex "Hot Zone" and the warmest point (WP). In his experiments, Schupbach attempted to correlate "hot Spots" with points of low electrical resistance. The correlation was NOT significant. Many low resistance points were found but infrared thermography was more accurate at locating the reflex zones.
In further experiments (at the Vet School, Zurich), Schupbach used electrodes implanted in the uterus of mini-pigs to monitor myometrial activity following needling of the main "Hot Spot" (BL26.3, over the iliac wing). AP stimulation caused definite increase in uterine contraction.
Pending future systematic, detailed study of reflex points in animals, the human transposition system is still very useful. However, transposition of human point locations to animals is subjective because of anatomical differences between species and because of the experience and individual concepts of the practitioner. Points like BL23, ST36, GB34, LI11, GB20, BaiHui (lumbosacral space) present no problem but points on the digits and points in the intercostal spaces or along the vertebrae are more controversial, because of differences in digital anatomy and vertebrae.
Humans have the following number of vertebrae: Cervical (C) = 7; Thoracic (T) = 12; Lumbar (L) = 5; Sacral (S) = 5.
In cattle/pigs, the number is: C=7/7; T=13/15; L=6/6; S=5/5 respectively. Thus, one author may differ somewhat from another in locating points. I believe that this is not very important for clinical success using AP. All the evidence suggests that AP works via the nervous system. Therefore, AP stimuli given NEAR "correct" points would be expected to have similar effects to those from stimulation of "correct" points. Considerable scope exists for individual preference in location and selection of AP points.
Although the published and personal communications of Kothbauer, Westermayer and Yu & Hwang (1990) have been the main source of my information for cattle AP, the transposition of each point has been mine (taking my Masters' locations as well as human locations into account).
There is no internationally accepted nomenclature or charting for the transposition of points from humans to animals at this time. The International Vet Acupuncture Society (IVAS) plans to produce an agreed set of Standard Charts. Pending this development, each vet must construct a personal set or must use a set, such as by Kothbauer or Westermayer. In this paper, I attempt to construct a transposition for the cow. Thus, in the section that follows, some locations agree closely or exactly with those of my Masters; some do not. Responsibility for any errors is mine.
These locations may be used with the Cookbook prescriptions given in the attached paper ("CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS").
Figure 5 shows the transposition of the Shu and Mu points from human to cow.
Figure 6 shows the transposition of the Shu and Mu points from human to pig. I do not attempt to prepare a complete transposition system for the pig. (Try this yourselves). The same principles may be used in pigs, as in other species.
Some points in humans are not so important to know. Others are essential. The same comment applies to animal AP. In the descriptions of point locations which follow, I have omitted some points. This was for one of four reasons:
a. they are inaccessible;
b. they are not important (other points can be used instead);
c. their location can be estimated from that of points on the same Channel; or
d. their location is very uncertain because of anatomical difficulties.
The Chinese names of the more important points are given below but the names of ALL points are given in APPENDIX 1 of the paper on the "Choice of points for particular conditions".
In the sections which follow, the following abbreviations are used:
A.= artery
ant.= anterior
ant. to= in front of
C4= 4th cervical vertebra
CCJ= chondrocostal junction (rib-cartilage)
Co4= 4th coccygeal vertebra
ext.= external
ICS= intercostal space
int.= internal
J.= joint, junction
L4= 4th lumbar vertebra
lat.= lateral
M.= muscle
med.= medial
N.= nerve
post.= posterior
SCJ= sternocostal junction
S4= 4th sacral vertebra
T4= 4th thoracic vertebra
TMJ= temporomandibular-joint
units of measurement: 1H (1 hand) = 4 fingerwidths; 1F=1 fingerwidth
"= inch or tsun or cun or Chinese Unit of body measurement
V.= vein
CV line= Conception Vessel line=ventral midline (anus to navel to lower lip)
GV line= Governing Vessel line = dorsal midline (anus to lumbosacral space to inside of upper lip)
TRANSPOSITION OF THE HUATOJIAJI (X 35) POINTS TO COWS AND PIGS
HuaToJiaJi points, (X 35 in the computer lists), are not on the Channel system of humans. They lie between the GV Channel and the medial line of the BL Channel in the area C1-S5, one pair (left and right) for each vertebra. The HuaToJiaJi points lie over the wing of each vertebra, near the junction with the body of the vertebra. They are most important points, named after Hua-To, a great doctor in ancient China. They are used mainly as LOCAL points, influencing LOCAL problems and also influencing organs or organ functions nearby. For instance, in neck problems, one might use X 35 points at C1 and C7 vertebrae, with TPs and SI03 with BL62 or ST38 or GB39.
In nephritis, one might include X 35 points in the area L1-L4. In fatty liver (hepatic degeneration after calving): include X 35 in area T9-L1. The X 35 points are not shown in the figures, as they are easy to find and to use. As the spinal nerves travel at an angle backwards from the vertebrae, it is better to choose X 35 points anterior (ant.) to the organ or part you wish to influence but always consider reactive points, wherever they are.
TRANSPOSITION OF THE LUNG (LU) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 1)
LU01 Zhong Fu (Central Storehouse); in ICS3 (human ICS2), behind the shoulder joint. (The tip of the olecranon is over rib 5).
LU05 Chi Ze (Elbow Marsh); lat. to biceps tendon at the ant. med. side of elbow joint.
LU07 Lie Que (Sequence Broken); 1F above radial styloid, above ant. med. side of carpus.
LU09 Tai Yuan (Great Abyss); 1F below radial styloid, ant. to radial A., above med. carpus
LU11 Shao Shang (Little Metal-Merchant); at horn-hair junction on post. med. side of forelimb dewclaw...
TRANSPOSITION OF THE LARGE INTESTINE (LI) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 2)
LI01 Shang Yang (Metal-Merchant Yang); ...??
LI02 Er Jian (Second Space); ...??
LI04 He Gu (Meeting Valley); 2F distal to and behind the proximal head of the medial metacarpal bone. Note: LI04 and LV03 are two of the most often used points in human AP; they have many functions in common and often are combined, especially for wandering aches and pains ("aching all-over") and in generalised or systemic conditions; they have the same relative positions on the hand and foot respectively.
LI05 Yang Xi (Yang Cleft); post. med. side of radial-carpal joint, below and behind radial head
LI10 Shou San Li (Arm Three Li) (3 Li = 1 mile); at the ant. lat. side of elbow, 2F ant. inf. to lat. condyle of the humerus, 2U distal to LI11
LI11 Qu Chi (Bend Pool); at the ant. lat. side of elbow, just ant. to the joint, in the crease in front of the elbow when the limb is flexed
LI13 Shou Wu Li (Arm Five Li); 3 U proximal to LI11, on a line between LI11 and LI15.
LI15 Jian Yu (Shoulder Bone); at the point of the shoulder, in front of the shoulder joint, on the deltoid m., between the acromion and the greater tubercle of the humerus, about 3F anterior to TH14
LI18 Fu Tu (Support the Prominence); lat. neck, 1H above jugular vein and 1H behind mandible, on the sternomastoid m., level with the tip of the Adam's apple.
LI20 Ying Xiang (Welcome Fragrance); just post. sup. to lat. canthus of nostril
TRANSPOSITION OF THE STOMACH (ST) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 3)
ST01 Cheng Qi (Containing Tears); on inf. bony rim of orbit, directly below pupil
ST04 Di Cang (Earth Granary); 0.5 U behind the oral canthus
ST06 Jia Che (Jaw Chariot); in the masseter m., 2F on line from post. angle of mandible to the eye
ST07 Xia Quan (Lower Gate, Below the Joint); at the TMJ, below zygomatic arch, over centre of sup. ramus of mandible
ST09 Ren Ying (Persons Welcome); lat. inf. neck, just above carotid A., level with laryngeal projection
ST11 Qi She (Qi Abode); just ant. to rib 1 at SCJ.
ST12 Que Pen (Empty Basin); just ant. to rib 1 below point of shoulder, on the sup. border of the cutaneous colli m., med. and prox. to LU02
ST18 Ru Gen (Breast Root); in ICS6, 2 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST19 Bu Rong (Not Contained); in ICS7, 3 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST20 Cheng Man (Assuming Fullness); in ICS8, 4 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST21 Liang Men (Beam Gate); in ICS9, 5 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST21-01 (Kothbauer's Ma18); on milk vein, 1H behind xiphoid, level with ICS9
ST22 Guan Men (Gate Door); in ICS10, 6 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST23 Tai Yi (Great Unity); 1/3 distance from ST22 to ST25, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST24 Hua Rou Men (Slippery Flesh Gate); 2/3 distance from ST22 to ST25, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST25 Tian Shu (Heavenly Pivot); 2 U lateral to navel, between ICS12 and the navel, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST26 Wai Ling (Outer Mound); 1/3 of the distance ST25 to ST28, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST27 Da Ju (Great Giant); 2/3 of the distance ST25 to ST28, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST28 Shui Dao (Water Path); level with ant. edge of base of udder, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST29 Gui Lai (Return Coming); in abdominal wall, med. to patella
ST31 Bi Guan (Thigh Joint); in the tensor fasciae latae, 1H on line ant. edge of hip to patella, ant. to the femur, about midway between iliac wing and patella.
ST35 Du Bi (Calf's Nose); between lat. and middle patellar ligaments, below patella
ST36 Zu San Li (Foot Three Li); 7F below patella, 1F lat. to ant. edge of tibial crest
ST37 Shang Ju Xu (Upper Great Hollow); 11F below patella, lat. to ant. edge of tibia
ST38 Tiao Kou (Ribbon/Narrow Opening); midway lat. patella to lat. hock, at ant. edge of tibia
ST40 Feng Long (Abundant Bulge); level with ST38 but behind tibia
ST41 Jie Xi (Divide Cleft); just below lower head of tibia at ant. lat. hock, between the extensor tendons of the digits
ST45 Li Dui (Severe Mouth); midpoint of med. side ... of med. hind claw, at hoof-hair junction
TRANSPOSITION OF THE SPLEEN-PANCREAS (SP) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 4)
SP01 Yin Bai (Hidden White); ...??
SP04 Gong Sun ("Yellow Emperor"); 3F below upper head of med. metatarsal, med. side, behind metatarsal
SP05 Shang Qiu (Shang Hill) (Shang = the sound of Metal); between the tendons, just below lower head of tibia, at ant. med. hock
SP06 San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Crossing); 6F above med. hock, just behind the tibia, opposite GB39
SP09 Yin Ling Quan (Yin Mound Spring); 6F below med. side of patella, behind the tibia
SP10 Xue Hai (Blood Sea); 5F above sup. edge of patella on ant. med. thigh
SP12 Ru Fang Yan (Ju Feng Yen = Mammary Inflammation); on olecranon-tibial crest line, laterally at the base of the udder, in pit which separates fore- and hind- quarters, on the external pudendal v., where it runs superficially with its artery under the skin (Kothbauer's location)
SP13 Fu She (Bowel Abode); on olecranon-tibial crest line, at ant. edge of base of udder
SP14 Fu Jie (Abdomen Bound/Knotted); 2 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, 1H behind SP15
SP15 Da Heng (Great Horizontal); 2 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, 6F from the CCJ, between navel and CCJ of rib 13
SP16 Fu Ai (Abdominal Lament); 2 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, 1H ant. to SP15, behind CCJ of rib 11
SP17 Shi Dou (Food Drain); 2 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, in ICS6, above ST18 and below GB23
SP18 Tian Xi (Heavenly Cleft); 3 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, in ICS5, above ST17 and below GB22
SP19 Xiong Xiang (Breast Village); 4 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, in ICS4, above TH10, SI08 and below BL41
SP20 Zhou Rong (Complete Flourishing); on shoulder-femoral trochanter line, in ICS3
SP21 Da Bao (Great Embrace); on shoulder-femoral trochanter line, in ICS8, above GB24 and below BL45
TRANSPOSITION OF THE HEART (HT) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 5)
HT01 Ji Quan (Supreme Spring); med. to post. edge of shoulder joint, deep, on chest wall
HT03 Shao Hai (Lesser Yin Sea); med. to ant. edge of elbow joint, deep, on chest wall
HT04 Ling Dao (Spirit-Mind Path); post. lat. side of forelimb, 4F above carpus
HT05 Tong Li (Connection Measure); post. lat. side of forelimb, 3F above carpus
HT06 Yin Xi (Yin Cleft); post. lat. side of forelimb, 2F above carpus
HT07 Shen Men (Spirit-Mind Door); post. lat. side of forelimb, at carpal-metacarpal J.
HT08 Shao Fu (Lesser Yin Mansion); post. lat. side of forelimb, midway down metacarpal
HT09 Shao Chong (Lesser Yin Rushing); sup. med. side of lat. dewclaw on forelimb...??
TRANSPOSITION OF THE SMALL INTESTINE (SI) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 6)
SI01 Shao Ze (Lesser Marsh); post. lat. side of lat. claw of forelimb, at horn-hair J...??
SI03 Hou Xi (Back Ravine); post. lat. side of fetlock J., just behind upper head of phalanx 1
SI06 Yang Lao (Nursing the Old); lat. carpus, just above and behind lower head of radius
SI08 Xiao Hai (Small Sea); between med. epicondyle of humerus and olecranon
SI09 Jian Zhen (Shoulder Upright); in the fossa caudal to the shoulder on the caudal border of the deltoids and between long and lateral heads of the triceps brachii.
SI10 Nao Shu (Humerus Association Point); behind lower end of scapular spine, on the cranial border of the deltoid m.
SI11 Tian Zong (Heavenly Gathering); behind scapular spine, 2H below upper edge of scapular cartilage
SI12 Bing Feng (Controlling Wind); before scapular spine, 9F below upper edge of scapular cartilage
SI15 Jian Zhong Shu (Shoulder Centre Association Point); 2 U lateral to GV14, at level of vertebrae C7-T1, on a line from scapular cartilage to the base of ear
SI16 Tian Chuang (Heavenly Window); on lat. neck, 3F behind and 2F below post. angle of mandible
SI18 Quan Liao (Cheek Bone-hole, Zygoma Crevice); on face, at lower end of zygomatic arch, on line from lower edge of orbit to post. angle of mandible
SI19 Ting Gong (Listening Palace); between ant. edge of root of ear and TMJ
TRANSPOSITION OF THE BLADDER (BL) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHARTS 7, 8)
The BL Channel is the most important one for vets. It has applications in nearly every condition which can be helped by AP.
Points BL12-30 inclusive, and their mate points, BL41-54, are most important points in AP. They reflect and control the functions of all the thoracic and abdominal, pelvic and mammary organs. In the transposition system, their locations are relatively easy to remember with the help of the following guidelines:
a. The BL Channel has two lines on the thoracolumbosacral area
b. Line 1, the inner BL line, contains points BL12-35. BL12 lies just medial to the midpoint of upper edge of scapular cartilage. BL13 lies 2F from the GV line just above the posterosuperior angle of the scapular cartilage, level with the posterior edge of the spine of T5. Between BL14-30, the line runs about 1H (4F) from the GV line (dorsal midline). Points 27,28,29,30 lie lateral to the 4 sacral holes (foramina) respectively, about 1H from GV line. Points 31,32,33,34 lie respectively between these points and the GV line, about 2F from the GV line, OVER the 4 sacral holes. Thus, points BL27,31 relate to sacral hole 1 and points 30,34 relate to hole 4 respectively. Point BL35 lies 3F from GV line level with the junction of coccygeal vertebrae 2.
BL21 lies on line 1 (1H from GV line) behind the last rib, in front of the transverse wings of vertebra L1.
BL17 (diaphragm/haemorrhage point) lies midway between BL13 and BL21. It can be used to locate any point between BL13-21 by counting the required number of spaces forwards or backwards from BL17.
BL26 lies on line 1 (1H from GV line) between the transverse wings of vertebrae L5-L6, 3-4 F ant. to the ant. edge of the wing of the ilium.
Between BL21 and 26 inclusive, each BL point falls one vertebral space apart. Thus any point between BL21-26 can be found by counting backwards from BL21 or forwards from BL26.
Between BL26 and 27 is a most important point for the uterus. Kothbauer calls it BL27 but in my system of transposition, I call it BL26.1. It lies just ant. to the ant. edge of the iliac wing, 1H from GV line, at the post. edge of the transverse wing of L6.
Thus, using locations of BL13,17,21,26 and the sacral holes, all points between BL12-35 can be transposed easily.
c. Line 2, the outer BL line, contains points BL41-54 inclusive. For most of its course, it lies about 1H (4F) lat. to line 1 (2H lat. to the GV line). The most difficult points to remember in this set are BL41,42,43,53,54. BL41,42,43 lie in intercostal spaces 4, 5, 6 respectively just below the posterior edge of the scapula. BL53 lies 1H lat. to BL28. BL54 lies 1H lateral to BL30. BL36 (old point BL50) lies 1H below the tuber ischii on the posterior midline of the thigh, 2H from the CV line of the perinaeum. Points BL44-52 are easy to transpose. They lie 2H from the GV line. BL50 lies lat. to BL21, just behind the last rib. All the other points in the series BL44-52 can be located by counting one vertebral space for each point, forwards or backwards, as needed.
Thus, points BL41-52 are easy to find, once you remember that BL52 (beside BL23) is level with the space between the transverse wings of L2-L3 and BL41 is in ICS4, below the scapular edge. (The olecranon lies over rib 5).
Note also that the following pairs of points have similar functions: BL12,41; BL13,42 etc to BL23,52. Each of these pairs is related to the same spinal nerve and the same ICS.
The formula to remember is: S(36 to 47) = F(12 to 23) + 29,
where S = BL point number on the second BL (outer) line and
where F = BL point number on the second BL (inner) line.
Thus, if you know that BL17,18,19 are useful in haemorrhage/liver disorders, you can be sure that points BL46,47,48 have similar actions. (The numerical difference between the point codes in series 2 and series 1 is 29).
Approximate positions for the main BL points are:
BL01 Jing Ming (Eye Brightness); just above med. canthus of eye
BL02 Zan Zhu (Collecting Bamboo); 2F above med. canthus of eye
BL10 Tian Zhu (Heavenly Pillar); 5F from GV line over the centre of wing of atlas, 1F post. med. to GB20
BL11 Da Shu (Great Shuttle); at J. of scapula and its cartilage, at level of space between spines of C7 and T1 (long needle behind scapula)
BL12 Feng Men (Wind Door); just behind midpoint of upper edge of scapular cartilage, just post. to spine of T4, in ICS4; its outer paired point is BL41
BL13 Fei Shu (LU Shu); 2F from GV line just above post. sup. angle of scapular cartilage, level with post. edge of spine of T5, in ICS5; its outer paired point is BL42
BL14 Jue Yin Shu (PC Shu); 1H from GV line, level with post. edge of spine of T6, in ICS6; its outer paired point is BL43
BL15 Xin Shu (HT Shu); 1H from GV line, level with post. edge of spine of T7, in ICS7; its outer paired point is BL44
BL16 Du Shu (GV Shu); 1H from GV line, level with post. edge of spine of T8, in ICS8; its outer paired point is BL45
BL17 Ge Shu (Diaphragm Shu); 1H from GV line, level with post. edge of spine of T9, in ICS9; its outer paired point is BL46
BL18 Gan Shu (LV Shu); 1H from GV line, in 3rd last ICS (10), level with post. edge of spine of T10; its outer paired point is BL47
BL19 Dan Shu (GB Shu); 1H from GV line, in 2nd last ICS (11), level with post. edge of spine of T11; its outer paired point is BL48
BL20 Pi Shu (SP Shu); 1H from GV line, in last ICS (12), level with post. edge of spine of T12; its outer paired point is BL49
BL21 Wei Shu (ST Shu); 1H from GV line, just behind last rib, level with post. edge of spine of T13; its outer paired point is BL50
BL22 San Jiao Shu (TH Shu); 1H from GV line, between lat. wings of L1-L2, 1 space behind BL21; its outer paired point is BL51
BL23 Shen Shu (KI Shu); 1H from GV line, between lat. wings of L2-L3, 2 spaces behind BL21; its outer paired point is BL52
BL24 Qi Hai Shu (Energy Sea Shu) (uterus/reproductive point); 1H from GV line, between lat. wings of L4-L5, 4 spaces behind BL21
BL25 Da Chang Shu (LI Shu); 1H from GV line, between lat. wings of L5-L6, 5 spaces behind BL21
BL26 Guan Yuan Shu (Gate Origin (chief blockage) Shu); 1H lateral to Bai Hui, 6 spaces behind BL21; this is a key point for the uterus and cervix
BL26.1 1H from GV line, on post. edge lat. wing of L6, just ant. to iliac wing. It is an important UTERUS point (= Kothbauer's BL27)
BL26.2 2F post. lat. to BL26.1, on ant. edge of iliac wing (=Kothbauer's BL28, Uterus point)
BL26.3 1H post.-med. to tuber coxae, over the wing of the ilium. This is a most important uterus point (Kothbauer, Westermayer, Schupbach). It corresponds with Kothbauer's point BL28-1).
BL27 Xiao Chang Shu (SI Shu); 1H from GV line, 1 space behind BaiHui, level with sacral hole 1
BL28 Pang Guang Shu (BL Shu); 1H from GV line, 2 spaces behind BaiHui, level with sacral hole 2; its outer paired point is BL53
BL29 Zhong Lu Shu (Middle of Back Shu); 1H from GV line, 3 spaces behind BaiHui, level with sacral hole 3
BL30 Bai Huan Shu (White Circle (anus/perinaeum) Shu); 1H from GV line, 4 spaces behind BaiHui, level with sacral hole 4; its outer paired point is BL54
BL31 Shang Liao (Upper Bone-hole (foramen)); 2F from GV line, 1 space behind BaiHui, over sacral hole 1
BL32 Ci Liao (Second Bone-hole (foramen)); 2F from GV line, 2 spaces behind BaiHui, over sacral hole 2
BL33 Zhong Liao (Central Bone-hole (foramen)); 2F from GV line, 3 spaces behind BaiHui, over sacral hole 3
BL34 Xia Liao (Lower Bone-hole (foramen)); 2F from GV line, 4 spaces behind BaiHui, over sacral hole 4
BL35 Hui Yang (Meeting Yang); 3F from GV line, level with J. of coccygeal vertebrae 2-3
BL36 Cheng Fu (Receiving Support); on post. midline of thigh, 1H below tuber ischii, 2H from CV line
BL40 Wei Zhong (Bend Centre or Supporting Middle); post. midline of stifle area, level with centre of patella
BL41 Fu Fen (Attached Branch); in ICS4, below post. edge of scapula. (Olecranon is over rib 5). Its inner paired point is BL12.
BL42 Po Hu (Corporeal-Soul Door); in ICS5, below post. edge of scapula. Its inner paired point is BL13
BL43 Gao Huang Shu (Subcardiac Diaphragm-Pleural Shu); in ICS6, below post. edge of scapula. Its inner paired point is BL14
BL44 Shen Tang (Spirit-Mind Hall); in ICS7, directly below spine of T5, 2H from GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL15
BL45 Yi Xi (Sighing Laughing); in ICS8, directly below spine of T6, 1H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL16
BL46 Ge Guan (Diaphragm Pass); in ICS9, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL17
BL47 Hun Men (Ethereal Soul Door); in ICS10, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL18
BL48 Yang Gang (Yang Head-rope); in ICS11, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL19
BL49 Yi She (Thought Abode); in ICS12, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL20
BL50 Wei Cang (Stomach Granary); just behind last rib, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL21
BL51 Huang Men (Diaphragm-pleural Door); between transverse wings of L1-L2, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL22
BL52 Zhi Shi (Willpower-Ambition Chamber); between transverse wings of L2-L3, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL23
BL52.1 over the iliac wing, 1H med. from tuber coxae (uterus point = Kothbauer BL26).
BL53 Bao Huang (Bladder Diaphragm-pleura); 2H from GV line, 1H lat. to BL28, level with sacral hole 2. Also paired with BL32
BL54 Zhi Bian (Sequential Limit); 2H from GV line, 1H lat. to BL30, level with sacral hole 4. Also paired with BL34
BL60 Kun Lun (Kunlun (Mountains)); lat. hock, between tibia and Achilles tendon, opposite KI03
BL61 Pu Shen (Slave Root); lat. hock, at upper third of os calcis
BL62 Shen Mai (Ninth Vessel); lat. hock, at tibial-tarsal J.
BL63 Jin Men (Golden Door); post. lat. hock, at tarsal-metatarsal J.
BL65 Shu Gu (Restraining Bone); post. lat. fetlock, 2F above the joint, behind the metatarsal
BL66 (Foot) Tong Gu (Passing Valley); post. lat. fetlock, 2F below BL65
BL67 Zhi Yin (Reaching Yin); post. lat. side of lat. claw, at horn-hair J.
TRANSPOSITION OF THE KIDNEY (KI) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 9)
KI01 Yong Quan (Bubbling Spring); at lower third of metatarsus, behind the bones, med. side...??
KI03 Tai Xi (Greater Cleft); med. hock, between Achilles tendon and tibia, opposite BL60
KI10 Yin Gu (Yin Valley); 6F behind the stifle J., at post. med. side of limb
KI11 Heng Gu (Pubic Bone); 2F from CV line at ant. edge of base of udder
KI16 Huang Shu (Diaphragm-Pleural Shu); 2F lat. to the navel (CV08)
KI22 Bu Lang (Walking Porch); in ICS7, beside sternum
KI27 Shu Fu (Transporting Point Mansion); in ICS1, beside sternum
TRANSPOSITION OF THE PERICARDIUM (PC) CHANNEL (HEART CONSTRICTOR, CIRCULATION-SEX) TO COWS (CHART 10)
PC01 Tian Chi (Celestial Pool); in ICS4, med. to olecranon
PC03 Qu Ze (Bend Marsh); med. to med. condyle of humerus just above elbow J.
PC04 Xi Men (Cleft Gate); meeting of upper and middle third of radius, med. side, behind radius
PC05 Jian Shi (Intermediate Messenger), also called Ye Yan (Night Eye, chestnut); midpoint of radius, med. side
PC06 Nei Guan (Inner Gate); at lower to middle third of radius, med. side, behind radius, directly opposite TH05
PC07 Da Ling (Great Hill); radial-carpal J., med. side, behind radius
PC09 Zhong Chong (Central Hub); at the post. edge of the interdigital cleft...??
TRANSPOSITION OF THE TRIPLE HEATER (TH) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 11)
TH01 Guan Chong (Door to the Thoroughfare); at the ant. of the lateral front claw, just above the hoof-hair junction...??
TH05 Wai Guan (Outer Gate); at lower to middle 1/3 of radius, posterolat. edge of the radius, directly opposite PC06
TH08 San Yang Luo (Three Yang Connection); on the posterolateral edge of radius, about 1/3 of the distance between the carpus and olecranon
TH10 Tian Jing (Heaven's Well); 1 U proximal to the olecranon.
TH14 Jian Liao (Shoulder Bone-hole); directly over the shoulder joint, in line with the scapular spine
TH15 Tian Liao (Heavenly Bone-hole); just in front of the junction of the anterior upper angle of the scapula and the scapular cartilage
TH16 Tian You (Celestial Window); on the lateral neck, just cranial to the wing of the atlas, level with BL10 and SI17, just caudodorsal to the mastoid, on the dorsal edge of the sternocleidomastoid m., or 2 U caudal to TH17...??
TH17 Yi Feng (Screen from the Wind); behind and below the posteroinferior junction of the ear and the head
TH23 Si Zhu Kong (Silken Bamboo Hollow); in temporal fossa, just above and behind the posterosuperior edge of the orbit
TRANSPOSITION OF THE GALLBLADDER (GB) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 12)
GB01 Tong Zi Liao (Pupil Bone-hole); at the lateral edge of the orbit
GB14 Yang Bai (Yang White); directly above the pupil of the eye, in a depression in the supraorbital process (supraorbital foramen).
GB20 Feng Chi (Wind Pool); over the wing of the atlas
GB24 Ri Yue (Sun Moon); in ICS8, 1 ICS caudal to LV14, on a line between shoulder- and stifle- joints
GB25 Jing Men (Capitol's door); at the tip of the last rib
GB30 Huan Tiao (Circle Jump); above and behind the hip joint, needled towards hip joint
GB31 Feng Shi (Wind Market); on the lateral thigh, 2/3 way down the femur and just behind it, on the cranial border of the biceps femoris
GB33 Xi Yang Guan (Knee Yang Joint); just behind lat. condyle of femur, just above tibia, level with LV08
GB34 Yang Ling Quan (Yang Tomb/mound Spring); 1H below stifle J., just behind tibia
GB39 Xuan Zhong (Suspended Bell); 6F above lat. hock, just behind tibia, opposite to SP06
GB40 Qiu Xu (Mound of Ruins); ant. lat. hock, at tibial-tarsal J.
GB41 Zu Lin Qi (Foot Near Tears); post. lat. hock, at metatarsal-tarsal J., behind metatarsus
GB44 (Foot) Qiao Yin (Orifice/cavity Yin); on the ant. lat. side of the lat. claw, just above the coronary band...??
TRANSPOSITION OF THE LIVER (LV) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 13)
LV01 Da Dun (Great Pile); on the ant. med. side of the med. claw, just above the coronary band...??
LV03 Tai Chong (Great Surge-pouring); 2F distal to and behind the proximal head of the medial metatarsal bone. Note: LI04 and LV03 are two of the most often used points in human AP; they have many functions in common and often are combined, especially for wandering aches and pains ("aching all-over") and in generalised or systemic conditions; they have the same relative positions on the hand and foot respectively.
LV04 Zhong Feng (Middle Mound/seal); ant. med. hock, at tibial-tarsal J., ant. to tibia
LV05 Li Gou (Woodworm Canal); 2/5 of the distance from hock to stifle J., at med. side of tibia
LV08 Qu Guan (Bend Spring); med. to med. condyle of femur, just above tibia, level with GB33
LV13 Zhang Men (Camphorwood Door); just above CCJ of rib 12, 2F above olecranon-patella line
LV14 Qi Men (Cycle Door); in ICS7, 2F above olecranon-patella line
TRANSPOSITION OF THE CONCEPTION VESSEL (CV) TO COWS (CHARTS 14,15)
CV01 HuiYin, on the CV line, between anus and vulva; in males, 1F below anus.
CV02 on the CV line of the perinaeum, 2H below CV01
CV03 on the CV line of the perinaeum, 3H below CV01
CV04 on the CV line of the perinaeum, 4H below CV01
CV05 on the CV line, just ant. to ant. base of udder
CV06 QiHai on the CV line, 1/3 of the distance between ant. edge of ant. base of udder and navel
CV07 on the CV line, 2/3 of the distance between ant. edge of ant. base of udder and navel
CV08 ChiZhong on the CV line, centre of navel
CV12 ZhongWan on the CV line, midway navel to tip of xiphoid cartilage
CV14 on the CV line, tip of xiphoid cartilage
CV15 on the CV line, xiphisternal J.
CV17 SHANZhong on the CV line, midsternum, at SCJ of rib 6
CV18 on the CV line, midsternum, at SCJ of rib 5
CV22 on the CV line, at the manubrium sterni
CV23 on the CV line, below point of jaw, above larynx
CV24 in the middle of the lower lip
TRANSPOSITION OF THE GOVERNING VESSEL (GV) TO COWS (CHARTS 16,17)
This is also a very important Channel for vets. GV points can be used in problems of the head, thoracic limb, thoracic area and organs, abdominal area and organs, lumbosacral area and pelvic limb. GV points rank second in importance to BL points and have similar effects and uses to the HuaToJiaJi points.
GV01 CHANG CHIANG GV line, between anus and root of tail
GV02 WEI KEN on the GV line, in the sacrococcygeal space
GV03 Bai Hui in the lumbosacral space on the GV line
GV04 MING MEN between the spines of L2-L3 on the GV line
GV05 TIAN PING in the thoracolumbar space, on the GV line
GV09 between the spines of T8-T9, on the GV line
GV12 SAN TAI between the spines of T3-T4, on the GV line
GV14 TA CHUI between the spines of C7-T1, on the GV line, 2F ant. to scapular cartilage
GV19 between the occiput and the atlas, on the GV line
GV26 RenZhong midpoint of line joining the lowest point of each nostril
GV28 YU TANG on dental pad, at openings of nasopalatine ducts
Those who study AP should understand that learning the LOCATION of points is merely a MENTAL aid to knowing WHERE to apply the AP stimulus for therapy. The exact location is NOT critical, as long as the stimulus is applied to a relevant nerve pathway or to tissue whose nerve supply is closely linked to that of the affected organ or part. In practice, AP becomes a highly individual art-science. Practitioners develop their own preferences on point location, their own point combinations and their own protocols for AP therapy. It is quite likely that 10 experts, asked to treat the same sick animal, would use 10 different combinations of points. This does not make a mockery of the claim to a scientific basis for AP ! It merely illustrates the richness and variety of the clinical approach.
A close examination of the points used by the experts would show that they ALL follow basic principles of AP: Reactive Points (AhShi points, TPs, sensitive points); Local Points; points in the nerve supply common to affected part; Distant Points on the Channels through affected area etc. Students of Vet AP should begin with basic concepts. These can be adapted with experience and skill later.
1.4 METHODS OF STIMULATION OF THE AP POINTS
Point injection (with conventional or less conventional medicines: Kothbauer, Westermayer, Greiff, Turnbull, Piper) is the most common method used in busy practices. A common solution for injection is 1% procaine or Vit B12 (1 mg/ml). These two (procaine + B12) are often mixed and used together. For febrile conditions, Procaine Penicillin (5-10 ml) may be injected at BL40 and 5 ml at BL15,16,17 bilaterally (Piper).
Needling (19-21 gauge hypodermic needles, 10-100 mm long (Westermayer), or special solid AP needles (Kothbauer)) is also commonly used. Moxa may be burned on the needle or applied direct to the skin by taping a moxa cone to the point and lighting it. Cases for moxa include chronic or cold diseases, rheumatism, repeat breeder cows, anoestrous sows etc. However, one may use needling as an alternative, even in such cases.
Implantation of surgical staples at the AP points is another quick and easy method. The staples are left in position until they fall out by themselves. Point stapling is claimed to be successful in horses but there are few references to its use in cattle and pigs. Thus, at this time, stapling must be regarded as an experimental method only.
Laser-AP has given good results in many conditions in horses, small animals and humans. Trials with carbon dioxide 3W mean output power Laser on GV01 gave very good results in lambs with clinical or experimentally- induced dysentery (Yu Chuan et al 1983). Infrared or He-Ne Laser also gave excellent results in infertility in cows (Yu Chuan et al 1983). Grady-Young (1985) also claimed excellent results for cold Laser in cattle with shipping fever (Pasteurella pneumonia). He irradiated reflex points for lung function. He also claimed good results in virus infection (Herpes) in horses.
As cattle and pigs are large animals with thick skins, it seems likely that lower power Lasers (mean output power <10 mW) may not penetrate deep enough to activate the deeper AP points. Higher power Lasers (20-50 mW) are more likely to be useful in large animals but considerable research needs to be done before they can be recommended as adequate replacements for the more traditional methods in routine AP. Until more data on Laser are available, it should be regarded as an experimental method only.
A more complete discussion of the methods used in clinical AP is attached - the paper entitled "Techniques of Stimulation of the Acupuncture Points". Please read that paper now, before going on to Part 2 of the seminar.
Many western vet acupuncturists prefer to COMBINE AP WITH WESTERN METHODS, especially if the condition is serious. For instance, in acute infections, antibiotics can be injected at the appropriate AP points. In acute hypomagnesaemia (convulsions) or hypocalcaemia (paresis) Ca and Mg solutions can be injected at the relevant AP points and the remainder of the mineral solution can be given intravenously or subcutaneously, as needed.
This concludes Part 1 of the seminar.
HuaToJiaJi points, (X 35 in the computer lists), are not on the Channel system of humans. They lie between the GV Channel and the medial line of the BL Channel in the area C1-S5, one pair (left and right) for each vertebra. The HuaToJiaJi points lie over the wing of each vertebra, near the junction with the body of the vertebra. They are most important points, named after Hua-To, a great doctor in ancient China. They are used mainly as LOCAL points, influencing LOCAL problems and also influencing organs or organ functions nearby. For instance, in neck problems, one might use X 35 points at C1 and C7 vertebrae, with TPs and SI03 with BL62 or ST38 or GB39.
In nephritis, one might include X 35 points in the area L1-L4. In fatty liver (hepatic degeneration after calving): include X 35 in area T9-L1. The X 35 points are not shown in the figures, as they are easy to find and to use. As the spinal nerves travel at an angle backwards from the vertebrae, it is better to choose X 35 points anterior (ant.) to the organ or part you wish to influence but always consider reactive points, wherever they are.
TRANSPOSITION OF THE LUNG (LU) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 1)
LU01 Zhong Fu (Central Storehouse); in ICS3 (human ICS2), behind the shoulder joint. (The tip of the olecranon is over rib 5).
LU05 Chi Ze (Elbow Marsh); lat. to biceps tendon at the ant. med. side of elbow joint.
LU07 Lie Que (Sequence Broken); 1F above radial styloid, above ant. med. side of carpus.
LU09 Tai Yuan (Great Abyss); 1F below radial styloid, ant. to radial A., above med. carpus
LU11 Shao Shang (Little Metal-Merchant); at horn-hair junction on post. med. side of forelimb dewclaw...
TRANSPOSITION OF THE LARGE INTESTINE (LI) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 2)
LI01 Shang Yang (Metal-Merchant Yang); ...??
LI02 Er Jian (Second Space); ...??
LI04 He Gu (Meeting Valley); 2F distal to and behind the proximal head of the medial metacarpal bone. Note: LI04 and LV03 are two of the most often used points in human AP; they have many functions in common and often are combined, especially for wandering aches and pains ("aching all-over") and in generalised or systemic conditions; they have the same relative positions on the hand and foot respectively.
LI05 Yang Xi (Yang Cleft); post. med. side of radial-carpal joint, below and behind radial head
LI10 Shou San Li (Arm Three Li) (3 Li = 1 mile); at the ant. lat. side of elbow, 2F ant. inf. to lat. condyle of the humerus, 2U distal to LI11
LI11 Qu Chi (Bend Pool); at the ant. lat. side of elbow, just ant. to the joint, in the crease in front of the elbow when the limb is flexed
LI13 Shou Wu Li (Arm Five Li); 3 U proximal to LI11, on a line between LI11 and LI15.
LI15 Jian Yu (Shoulder Bone); at the point of the shoulder, in front of the shoulder joint, on the deltoid m., between the acromion and the greater tubercle of the humerus, about 3F anterior to TH14
LI18 Fu Tu (Support the Prominence); lat. neck, 1H above jugular vein and 1H behind mandible, on the sternomastoid m., level with the tip of the Adam's apple.
LI20 Ying Xiang (Welcome Fragrance); just post. sup. to lat. canthus of nostril
TRANSPOSITION OF THE STOMACH (ST) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 3)
ST01 Cheng Qi (Containing Tears); on inf. bony rim of orbit, directly below pupil
ST04 Di Cang (Earth Granary); 0.5 U behind the oral canthus
ST06 Jia Che (Jaw Chariot); in the masseter m., 2F on line from post. angle of mandible to the eye
ST07 Xia Quan (Lower Gate, Below the Joint); at the TMJ, below zygomatic arch, over centre of sup. ramus of mandible
ST09 Ren Ying (Persons Welcome); lat. inf. neck, just above carotid A., level with laryngeal projection
ST11 Qi She (Qi Abode); just ant. to rib 1 at SCJ.
ST12 Que Pen (Empty Basin); just ant. to rib 1 below point of shoulder, on the sup. border of the cutaneous colli m., med. and prox. to LU02
ST18 Ru Gen (Breast Root); in ICS6, 2 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST19 Bu Rong (Not Contained); in ICS7, 3 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST20 Cheng Man (Assuming Fullness); in ICS8, 4 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST21 Liang Men (Beam Gate); in ICS9, 5 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST21-01 (Kothbauer's Ma18); on milk vein, 1H behind xiphoid, level with ICS9
ST22 Guan Men (Gate Door); in ICS10, 6 spaces behind olecranon, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST23 Tai Yi (Great Unity); 1/3 distance from ST22 to ST25, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST24 Hua Rou Men (Slippery Flesh Gate); 2/3 distance from ST22 to ST25, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST25 Tian Shu (Heavenly Pivot); 2 U lateral to navel, between ICS12 and the navel, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST26 Wai Ling (Outer Mound); 1/3 of the distance ST25 to ST28, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST27 Da Ju (Great Giant); 2/3 of the distance ST25 to ST28, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST28 Shui Dao (Water Path); level with ant. edge of base of udder, on olecranon-tibial crest line
ST29 Gui Lai (Return Coming); in abdominal wall, med. to patella
ST31 Bi Guan (Thigh Joint); in the tensor fasciae latae, 1H on line ant. edge of hip to patella, ant. to the femur, about midway between iliac wing and patella.
ST35 Du Bi (Calf's Nose); between lat. and middle patellar ligaments, below patella
ST36 Zu San Li (Foot Three Li); 7F below patella, 1F lat. to ant. edge of tibial crest
ST37 Shang Ju Xu (Upper Great Hollow); 11F below patella, lat. to ant. edge of tibia
ST38 Tiao Kou (Ribbon/Narrow Opening); midway lat. patella to lat. hock, at ant. edge of tibia
ST40 Feng Long (Abundant Bulge); level with ST38 but behind tibia
ST41 Jie Xi (Divide Cleft); just below lower head of tibia at ant. lat. hock, between the extensor tendons of the digits
ST45 Li Dui (Severe Mouth); midpoint of med. side ... of med. hind claw, at hoof-hair junction
TRANSPOSITION OF THE SPLEEN-PANCREAS (SP) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 4)
SP01 Yin Bai (Hidden White); ...??
SP04 Gong Sun ("Yellow Emperor"); 3F below upper head of med. metatarsal, med. side, behind metatarsal
SP05 Shang Qiu (Shang Hill) (Shang = the sound of Metal); between the tendons, just below lower head of tibia, at ant. med. hock
SP06 San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Crossing); 6F above med. hock, just behind the tibia, opposite GB39
SP09 Yin Ling Quan (Yin Mound Spring); 6F below med. side of patella, behind the tibia
SP10 Xue Hai (Blood Sea); 5F above sup. edge of patella on ant. med. thigh
SP12 Ru Fang Yan (Ju Feng Yen = Mammary Inflammation); on olecranon-tibial crest line, laterally at the base of the udder, in pit which separates fore- and hind- quarters, on the external pudendal v., where it runs superficially with its artery under the skin (Kothbauer's location)
SP13 Fu She (Bowel Abode); on olecranon-tibial crest line, at ant. edge of base of udder
SP14 Fu Jie (Abdomen Bound/Knotted); 2 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, 1H behind SP15
SP15 Da Heng (Great Horizontal); 2 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, 6F from the CCJ, between navel and CCJ of rib 13
SP16 Fu Ai (Abdominal Lament); 2 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, 1H ant. to SP15, behind CCJ of rib 11
SP17 Shi Dou (Food Drain); 2 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, in ICS6, above ST18 and below GB23
SP18 Tian Xi (Heavenly Cleft); 3 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, in ICS5, above ST17 and below GB22
SP19 Xiong Xiang (Breast Village); 4 F above olecranon-tibial crest line, in ICS4, above TH10, SI08 and below BL41
SP20 Zhou Rong (Complete Flourishing); on shoulder-femoral trochanter line, in ICS3
SP21 Da Bao (Great Embrace); on shoulder-femoral trochanter line, in ICS8, above GB24 and below BL45
TRANSPOSITION OF THE HEART (HT) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 5)
HT01 Ji Quan (Supreme Spring); med. to post. edge of shoulder joint, deep, on chest wall
HT03 Shao Hai (Lesser Yin Sea); med. to ant. edge of elbow joint, deep, on chest wall
HT04 Ling Dao (Spirit-Mind Path); post. lat. side of forelimb, 4F above carpus
HT05 Tong Li (Connection Measure); post. lat. side of forelimb, 3F above carpus
HT06 Yin Xi (Yin Cleft); post. lat. side of forelimb, 2F above carpus
HT07 Shen Men (Spirit-Mind Door); post. lat. side of forelimb, at carpal-metacarpal J.
HT08 Shao Fu (Lesser Yin Mansion); post. lat. side of forelimb, midway down metacarpal
HT09 Shao Chong (Lesser Yin Rushing); sup. med. side of lat. dewclaw on forelimb...??
TRANSPOSITION OF THE SMALL INTESTINE (SI) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 6)
SI01 Shao Ze (Lesser Marsh); post. lat. side of lat. claw of forelimb, at horn-hair J...??
SI03 Hou Xi (Back Ravine); post. lat. side of fetlock J., just behind upper head of phalanx 1
SI06 Yang Lao (Nursing the Old); lat. carpus, just above and behind lower head of radius
SI08 Xiao Hai (Small Sea); between med. epicondyle of humerus and olecranon
SI09 Jian Zhen (Shoulder Upright); in the fossa caudal to the shoulder on the caudal border of the deltoids and between long and lateral heads of the triceps brachii.
SI10 Nao Shu (Humerus Association Point); behind lower end of scapular spine, on the cranial border of the deltoid m.
SI11 Tian Zong (Heavenly Gathering); behind scapular spine, 2H below upper edge of scapular cartilage
SI12 Bing Feng (Controlling Wind); before scapular spine, 9F below upper edge of scapular cartilage
SI15 Jian Zhong Shu (Shoulder Centre Association Point); 2 U lateral to GV14, at level of vertebrae C7-T1, on a line from scapular cartilage to the base of ear
SI16 Tian Chuang (Heavenly Window); on lat. neck, 3F behind and 2F below post. angle of mandible
SI18 Quan Liao (Cheek Bone-hole, Zygoma Crevice); on face, at lower end of zygomatic arch, on line from lower edge of orbit to post. angle of mandible
SI19 Ting Gong (Listening Palace); between ant. edge of root of ear and TMJ
TRANSPOSITION OF THE BLADDER (BL) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHARTS 7, 8)
The BL Channel is the most important one for vets. It has applications in nearly every condition which can be helped by AP.
Points BL12-30 inclusive, and their mate points, BL41-54, are most important points in AP. They reflect and control the functions of all the thoracic and abdominal, pelvic and mammary organs. In the transposition system, their locations are relatively easy to remember with the help of the following guidelines:
a. The BL Channel has two lines on the thoracolumbosacral area
b. Line 1, the inner BL line, contains points BL12-35. BL12 lies just medial to the midpoint of upper edge of scapular cartilage. BL13 lies 2F from the GV line just above the posterosuperior angle of the scapular cartilage, level with the posterior edge of the spine of T5. Between BL14-30, the line runs about 1H (4F) from the GV line (dorsal midline). Points 27,28,29,30 lie lateral to the 4 sacral holes (foramina) respectively, about 1H from GV line. Points 31,32,33,34 lie respectively between these points and the GV line, about 2F from the GV line, OVER the 4 sacral holes. Thus, points BL27,31 relate to sacral hole 1 and points 30,34 relate to hole 4 respectively. Point BL35 lies 3F from GV line level with the junction of coccygeal vertebrae 2.
BL21 lies on line 1 (1H from GV line) behind the last rib, in front of the transverse wings of vertebra L1.
BL17 (diaphragm/haemorrhage point) lies midway between BL13 and BL21. It can be used to locate any point between BL13-21 by counting the required number of spaces forwards or backwards from BL17.
BL26 lies on line 1 (1H from GV line) between the transverse wings of vertebrae L5-L6, 3-4 F ant. to the ant. edge of the wing of the ilium.
Between BL21 and 26 inclusive, each BL point falls one vertebral space apart. Thus any point between BL21-26 can be found by counting backwards from BL21 or forwards from BL26.
Between BL26 and 27 is a most important point for the uterus. Kothbauer calls it BL27 but in my system of transposition, I call it BL26.1. It lies just ant. to the ant. edge of the iliac wing, 1H from GV line, at the post. edge of the transverse wing of L6.
Thus, using locations of BL13,17,21,26 and the sacral holes, all points between BL12-35 can be transposed easily.
c. Line 2, the outer BL line, contains points BL41-54 inclusive. For most of its course, it lies about 1H (4F) lat. to line 1 (2H lat. to the GV line). The most difficult points to remember in this set are BL41,42,43,53,54. BL41,42,43 lie in intercostal spaces 4, 5, 6 respectively just below the posterior edge of the scapula. BL53 lies 1H lat. to BL28. BL54 lies 1H lateral to BL30. BL36 (old point BL50) lies 1H below the tuber ischii on the posterior midline of the thigh, 2H from the CV line of the perinaeum. Points BL44-52 are easy to transpose. They lie 2H from the GV line. BL50 lies lat. to BL21, just behind the last rib. All the other points in the series BL44-52 can be located by counting one vertebral space for each point, forwards or backwards, as needed.
Thus, points BL41-52 are easy to find, once you remember that BL52 (beside BL23) is level with the space between the transverse wings of L2-L3 and BL41 is in ICS4, below the scapular edge. (The olecranon lies over rib 5).
Note also that the following pairs of points have similar functions: BL12,41; BL13,42 etc to BL23,52. Each of these pairs is related to the same spinal nerve and the same ICS.
The formula to remember is: S(36 to 47) = F(12 to 23) + 29,
where S = BL point number on the second BL (outer) line and
where F = BL point number on the second BL (inner) line.
Thus, if you know that BL17,18,19 are useful in haemorrhage/liver disorders, you can be sure that points BL46,47,48 have similar actions. (The numerical difference between the point codes in series 2 and series 1 is 29).
Approximate positions for the main BL points are:
BL01 Jing Ming (Eye Brightness); just above med. canthus of eye
BL02 Zan Zhu (Collecting Bamboo); 2F above med. canthus of eye
BL10 Tian Zhu (Heavenly Pillar); 5F from GV line over the centre of wing of atlas, 1F post. med. to GB20
BL11 Da Shu (Great Shuttle); at J. of scapula and its cartilage, at level of space between spines of C7 and T1 (long needle behind scapula)
BL12 Feng Men (Wind Door); just behind midpoint of upper edge of scapular cartilage, just post. to spine of T4, in ICS4; its outer paired point is BL41
BL13 Fei Shu (LU Shu); 2F from GV line just above post. sup. angle of scapular cartilage, level with post. edge of spine of T5, in ICS5; its outer paired point is BL42
BL14 Jue Yin Shu (PC Shu); 1H from GV line, level with post. edge of spine of T6, in ICS6; its outer paired point is BL43
BL15 Xin Shu (HT Shu); 1H from GV line, level with post. edge of spine of T7, in ICS7; its outer paired point is BL44
BL16 Du Shu (GV Shu); 1H from GV line, level with post. edge of spine of T8, in ICS8; its outer paired point is BL45
BL17 Ge Shu (Diaphragm Shu); 1H from GV line, level with post. edge of spine of T9, in ICS9; its outer paired point is BL46
BL18 Gan Shu (LV Shu); 1H from GV line, in 3rd last ICS (10), level with post. edge of spine of T10; its outer paired point is BL47
BL19 Dan Shu (GB Shu); 1H from GV line, in 2nd last ICS (11), level with post. edge of spine of T11; its outer paired point is BL48
BL20 Pi Shu (SP Shu); 1H from GV line, in last ICS (12), level with post. edge of spine of T12; its outer paired point is BL49
BL21 Wei Shu (ST Shu); 1H from GV line, just behind last rib, level with post. edge of spine of T13; its outer paired point is BL50
BL22 San Jiao Shu (TH Shu); 1H from GV line, between lat. wings of L1-L2, 1 space behind BL21; its outer paired point is BL51
BL23 Shen Shu (KI Shu); 1H from GV line, between lat. wings of L2-L3, 2 spaces behind BL21; its outer paired point is BL52
BL24 Qi Hai Shu (Energy Sea Shu) (uterus/reproductive point); 1H from GV line, between lat. wings of L4-L5, 4 spaces behind BL21
BL25 Da Chang Shu (LI Shu); 1H from GV line, between lat. wings of L5-L6, 5 spaces behind BL21
BL26 Guan Yuan Shu (Gate Origin (chief blockage) Shu); 1H lateral to Bai Hui, 6 spaces behind BL21; this is a key point for the uterus and cervix
BL26.1 1H from GV line, on post. edge lat. wing of L6, just ant. to iliac wing. It is an important UTERUS point (= Kothbauer's BL27)
BL26.2 2F post. lat. to BL26.1, on ant. edge of iliac wing (=Kothbauer's BL28, Uterus point)
BL26.3 1H post.-med. to tuber coxae, over the wing of the ilium. This is a most important uterus point (Kothbauer, Westermayer, Schupbach). It corresponds with Kothbauer's point BL28-1).
BL27 Xiao Chang Shu (SI Shu); 1H from GV line, 1 space behind BaiHui, level with sacral hole 1
BL28 Pang Guang Shu (BL Shu); 1H from GV line, 2 spaces behind BaiHui, level with sacral hole 2; its outer paired point is BL53
BL29 Zhong Lu Shu (Middle of Back Shu); 1H from GV line, 3 spaces behind BaiHui, level with sacral hole 3
BL30 Bai Huan Shu (White Circle (anus/perinaeum) Shu); 1H from GV line, 4 spaces behind BaiHui, level with sacral hole 4; its outer paired point is BL54
BL31 Shang Liao (Upper Bone-hole (foramen)); 2F from GV line, 1 space behind BaiHui, over sacral hole 1
BL32 Ci Liao (Second Bone-hole (foramen)); 2F from GV line, 2 spaces behind BaiHui, over sacral hole 2
BL33 Zhong Liao (Central Bone-hole (foramen)); 2F from GV line, 3 spaces behind BaiHui, over sacral hole 3
BL34 Xia Liao (Lower Bone-hole (foramen)); 2F from GV line, 4 spaces behind BaiHui, over sacral hole 4
BL35 Hui Yang (Meeting Yang); 3F from GV line, level with J. of coccygeal vertebrae 2-3
BL36 Cheng Fu (Receiving Support); on post. midline of thigh, 1H below tuber ischii, 2H from CV line
BL40 Wei Zhong (Bend Centre or Supporting Middle); post. midline of stifle area, level with centre of patella
BL41 Fu Fen (Attached Branch); in ICS4, below post. edge of scapula. (Olecranon is over rib 5). Its inner paired point is BL12.
BL42 Po Hu (Corporeal-Soul Door); in ICS5, below post. edge of scapula. Its inner paired point is BL13
BL43 Gao Huang Shu (Subcardiac Diaphragm-Pleural Shu); in ICS6, below post. edge of scapula. Its inner paired point is BL14
BL44 Shen Tang (Spirit-Mind Hall); in ICS7, directly below spine of T5, 2H from GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL15
BL45 Yi Xi (Sighing Laughing); in ICS8, directly below spine of T6, 1H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL16
BL46 Ge Guan (Diaphragm Pass); in ICS9, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL17
BL47 Hun Men (Ethereal Soul Door); in ICS10, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL18
BL48 Yang Gang (Yang Head-rope); in ICS11, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL19
BL49 Yi She (Thought Abode); in ICS12, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL20
BL50 Wei Cang (Stomach Granary); just behind last rib, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL21
BL51 Huang Men (Diaphragm-pleural Door); between transverse wings of L1-L2, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL22
BL52 Zhi Shi (Willpower-Ambition Chamber); between transverse wings of L2-L3, 2H lat. to GV line, 1H lat. to its inner paired point, BL23
BL52.1 over the iliac wing, 1H med. from tuber coxae (uterus point = Kothbauer BL26).
BL53 Bao Huang (Bladder Diaphragm-pleura); 2H from GV line, 1H lat. to BL28, level with sacral hole 2. Also paired with BL32
BL54 Zhi Bian (Sequential Limit); 2H from GV line, 1H lat. to BL30, level with sacral hole 4. Also paired with BL34
BL60 Kun Lun (Kunlun (Mountains)); lat. hock, between tibia and Achilles tendon, opposite KI03
BL61 Pu Shen (Slave Root); lat. hock, at upper third of os calcis
BL62 Shen Mai (Ninth Vessel); lat. hock, at tibial-tarsal J.
BL63 Jin Men (Golden Door); post. lat. hock, at tarsal-metatarsal J.
BL65 Shu Gu (Restraining Bone); post. lat. fetlock, 2F above the joint, behind the metatarsal
BL66 (Foot) Tong Gu (Passing Valley); post. lat. fetlock, 2F below BL65
BL67 Zhi Yin (Reaching Yin); post. lat. side of lat. claw, at horn-hair J.
TRANSPOSITION OF THE KIDNEY (KI) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 9)
KI01 Yong Quan (Bubbling Spring); at lower third of metatarsus, behind the bones, med. side...??
KI03 Tai Xi (Greater Cleft); med. hock, between Achilles tendon and tibia, opposite BL60
KI10 Yin Gu (Yin Valley); 6F behind the stifle J., at post. med. side of limb
KI11 Heng Gu (Pubic Bone); 2F from CV line at ant. edge of base of udder
KI16 Huang Shu (Diaphragm-Pleural Shu); 2F lat. to the navel (CV08)
KI22 Bu Lang (Walking Porch); in ICS7, beside sternum
KI27 Shu Fu (Transporting Point Mansion); in ICS1, beside sternum
TRANSPOSITION OF THE PERICARDIUM (PC) CHANNEL (HEART CONSTRICTOR, CIRCULATION-SEX) TO COWS (CHART 10)
PC01 Tian Chi (Celestial Pool); in ICS4, med. to olecranon
PC03 Qu Ze (Bend Marsh); med. to med. condyle of humerus just above elbow J.
PC04 Xi Men (Cleft Gate); meeting of upper and middle third of radius, med. side, behind radius
PC05 Jian Shi (Intermediate Messenger), also called Ye Yan (Night Eye, chestnut); midpoint of radius, med. side
PC06 Nei Guan (Inner Gate); at lower to middle third of radius, med. side, behind radius, directly opposite TH05
PC07 Da Ling (Great Hill); radial-carpal J., med. side, behind radius
PC09 Zhong Chong (Central Hub); at the post. edge of the interdigital cleft...??
TRANSPOSITION OF THE TRIPLE HEATER (TH) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 11)
TH01 Guan Chong (Door to the Thoroughfare); at the ant. of the lateral front claw, just above the hoof-hair junction...??
TH05 Wai Guan (Outer Gate); at lower to middle 1/3 of radius, posterolat. edge of the radius, directly opposite PC06
TH08 San Yang Luo (Three Yang Connection); on the posterolateral edge of radius, about 1/3 of the distance between the carpus and olecranon
TH10 Tian Jing (Heaven's Well); 1 U proximal to the olecranon.
TH14 Jian Liao (Shoulder Bone-hole); directly over the shoulder joint, in line with the scapular spine
TH15 Tian Liao (Heavenly Bone-hole); just in front of the junction of the anterior upper angle of the scapula and the scapular cartilage
TH16 Tian You (Celestial Window); on the lateral neck, just cranial to the wing of the atlas, level with BL10 and SI17, just caudodorsal to the mastoid, on the dorsal edge of the sternocleidomastoid m., or 2 U caudal to TH17...??
TH17 Yi Feng (Screen from the Wind); behind and below the posteroinferior junction of the ear and the head
TH23 Si Zhu Kong (Silken Bamboo Hollow); in temporal fossa, just above and behind the posterosuperior edge of the orbit
TRANSPOSITION OF THE GALLBLADDER (GB) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 12)
GB01 Tong Zi Liao (Pupil Bone-hole); at the lateral edge of the orbit
GB14 Yang Bai (Yang White); directly above the pupil of the eye, in a depression in the supraorbital process (supraorbital foramen).
GB20 Feng Chi (Wind Pool); over the wing of the atlas
GB24 Ri Yue (Sun Moon); in ICS8, 1 ICS caudal to LV14, on a line between shoulder- and stifle- joints
GB25 Jing Men (Capitol's door); at the tip of the last rib
GB30 Huan Tiao (Circle Jump); above and behind the hip joint, needled towards hip joint
GB31 Feng Shi (Wind Market); on the lateral thigh, 2/3 way down the femur and just behind it, on the cranial border of the biceps femoris
GB33 Xi Yang Guan (Knee Yang Joint); just behind lat. condyle of femur, just above tibia, level with LV08
GB34 Yang Ling Quan (Yang Tomb/mound Spring); 1H below stifle J., just behind tibia
GB39 Xuan Zhong (Suspended Bell); 6F above lat. hock, just behind tibia, opposite to SP06
GB40 Qiu Xu (Mound of Ruins); ant. lat. hock, at tibial-tarsal J.
GB41 Zu Lin Qi (Foot Near Tears); post. lat. hock, at metatarsal-tarsal J., behind metatarsus
GB44 (Foot) Qiao Yin (Orifice/cavity Yin); on the ant. lat. side of the lat. claw, just above the coronary band...??
TRANSPOSITION OF THE LIVER (LV) CHANNEL TO COWS (CHART 13)
LV01 Da Dun (Great Pile); on the ant. med. side of the med. claw, just above the coronary band...??
LV03 Tai Chong (Great Surge-pouring); 2F distal to and behind the proximal head of the medial metatarsal bone. Note: LI04 and LV03 are two of the most often used points in human AP; they have many functions in common and often are combined, especially for wandering aches and pains ("aching all-over") and in generalised or systemic conditions; they have the same relative positions on the hand and foot respectively.
LV04 Zhong Feng (Middle Mound/seal); ant. med. hock, at tibial-tarsal J., ant. to tibia
LV05 Li Gou (Woodworm Canal); 2/5 of the distance from hock to stifle J., at med. side of tibia
LV08 Qu Guan (Bend Spring); med. to med. condyle of femur, just above tibia, level with GB33
LV13 Zhang Men (Camphorwood Door); just above CCJ of rib 12, 2F above olecranon-patella line
LV14 Qi Men (Cycle Door); in ICS7, 2F above olecranon-patella line
TRANSPOSITION OF THE CONCEPTION VESSEL (CV) TO COWS (CHARTS 14,15)
CV01 HuiYin, on the CV line, between anus and vulva; in males, 1F below anus.
CV02 on the CV line of the perinaeum, 2H below CV01
CV03 on the CV line of the perinaeum, 3H below CV01
CV04 on the CV line of the perinaeum, 4H below CV01
CV05 on the CV line, just ant. to ant. base of udder
CV06 QiHai on the CV line, 1/3 of the distance between ant. edge of ant. base of udder and navel
CV07 on the CV line, 2/3 of the distance between ant. edge of ant. base of udder and navel
CV08 ChiZhong on the CV line, centre of navel
CV12 ZhongWan on the CV line, midway navel to tip of xiphoid cartilage
CV14 on the CV line, tip of xiphoid cartilage
CV15 on the CV line, xiphisternal J.
CV17 SHANZhong on the CV line, midsternum, at SCJ of rib 6
CV18 on the CV line, midsternum, at SCJ of rib 5
CV22 on the CV line, at the manubrium sterni
CV23 on the CV line, below point of jaw, above larynx
CV24 in the middle of the lower lip
TRANSPOSITION OF THE GOVERNING VESSEL (GV) TO COWS (CHARTS 16,17)
This is also a very important Channel for vets. GV points can be used in problems of the head, thoracic limb, thoracic area and organs, abdominal area and organs, lumbosacral area and pelvic limb. GV points rank second in importance to BL points and have similar effects and uses to the HuaToJiaJi points.
GV01 CHANG CHIANG GV line, between anus and root of tail
GV02 WEI KEN on the GV line, in the sacrococcygeal space
GV03 Bai Hui in the lumbosacral space on the GV line
GV04 MING MEN between the spines of L2-L3 on the GV line
GV05 TIAN PING in the thoracolumbar space, on the GV line
GV09 between the spines of T8-T9, on the GV line
GV12 SAN TAI between the spines of T3-T4, on the GV line
GV14 TA CHUI between the spines of C7-T1, on the GV line, 2F ant. to scapular cartilage
GV19 between the occiput and the atlas, on the GV line
GV26 RenZhong midpoint of line joining the lowest point of each nostril
GV28 YU TANG on dental pad, at openings of nasopalatine ducts
Those who study AP should understand that learning the LOCATION of points is merely a MENTAL aid to knowing WHERE to apply the AP stimulus for therapy. The exact location is NOT critical, as long as the stimulus is applied to a relevant nerve pathway or to tissue whose nerve supply is closely linked to that of the affected organ or part. In practice, AP becomes a highly individual art-science. Practitioners develop their own preferences on point location, their own point combinations and their own protocols for AP therapy. It is quite likely that 10 experts, asked to treat the same sick animal, would use 10 different combinations of points. This does not make a mockery of the claim to a scientific basis for AP ! It merely illustrates the richness and variety of the clinical approach.
A close examination of the points used by the experts would show that they ALL follow basic principles of AP: Reactive Points (AhShi points, TPs, sensitive points); Local Points; points in the nerve supply common to affected part; Distant Points on the Channels through affected area etc. Students of Vet AP should begin with basic concepts. These can be adapted with experience and skill later.
1.4 METHODS OF STIMULATION OF THE AP POINTS
Point injection (with conventional or less conventional medicines: Kothbauer, Westermayer, Greiff, Turnbull, Piper) is the most common method used in busy practices. A common solution for injection is 1% procaine or Vit B12 (1 mg/ml). These two (procaine + B12) are often mixed and used together. For febrile conditions, Procaine Penicillin (5-10 ml) may be injected at BL40 and 5 ml at BL15,16,17 bilaterally (Piper).
Needling (19-21 gauge hypodermic needles, 10-100 mm long (Westermayer), or special solid AP needles (Kothbauer)) is also commonly used. Moxa may be burned on the needle or applied direct to the skin by taping a moxa cone to the point and lighting it. Cases for moxa include chronic or cold diseases, rheumatism, repeat breeder cows, anoestrous sows etc. However, one may use needling as an alternative, even in such cases.
Implantation of surgical staples at the AP points is another quick and easy method. The staples are left in position until they fall out by themselves. Point stapling is claimed to be successful in horses but there are few references to its use in cattle and pigs. Thus, at this time, stapling must be regarded as an experimental method only.
Laser-AP has given good results in many conditions in horses, small animals and humans. Trials with carbon dioxide 3W mean output power Laser on GV01 gave very good results in lambs with clinical or experimentally- induced dysentery (Yu Chuan et al 1983). Infrared or He-Ne Laser also gave excellent results in infertility in cows (Yu Chuan et al 1983). Grady-Young (1985) also claimed excellent results for cold Laser in cattle with shipping fever (Pasteurella pneumonia). He irradiated reflex points for lung function. He also claimed good results in virus infection (Herpes) in horses.
As cattle and pigs are large animals with thick skins, it seems likely that lower power Lasers (mean output power <10 mW) may not penetrate deep enough to activate the deeper AP points. Higher power Lasers (20-50 mW) are more likely to be useful in large animals but considerable research needs to be done before they can be recommended as adequate replacements for the more traditional methods in routine AP. Until more data on Laser are available, it should be regarded as an experimental method only.
A more complete discussion of the methods used in clinical AP is attached - the paper entitled "Techniques of Stimulation of the Acupuncture Points". Please read that paper now, before going on to Part 2 of the seminar.
Many western vet acupuncturists prefer to COMBINE AP WITH WESTERN METHODS, especially if the condition is serious. For instance, in acute infections, antibiotics can be injected at the appropriate AP points. In acute hypomagnesaemia (convulsions) or hypocalcaemia (paresis) Ca and Mg solutions can be injected at the relevant AP points and the remainder of the mineral solution can be given intravenously or subcutaneously, as needed.
This concludes Part 1 of the seminar.
SUMMARY
1. Part 1 discussed the Transposition System. Cow charts were prepared. The Cookbook Prescriptions from human texts (APPENDIX 2 and 3 of the paper on the CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS) can be used with those charts. These charts are not absolute; they are only guides. Your own mental constructs will allow you to apply a similar transposition to the pig.
Part 2 examines AP therapy in specific cases, having first mentioned briefly the traditional texts on Cattle and Pigs.
2. AP treatment of the following conditions in cattle is discussed in some detail, mainly following the transposition system but using, where necessary, points from Kothbauer's system and the traditional system:
a. disorders of fertility and the urogenital system
b. disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
c. disorders of the liver and metabolic disorders
d. disorders of the musculoskeletal system
e. disorders of the respiratory system
f. AP for surgical hypoalgesia in cows
3. AP treatment of the following conditions in pigs is discussed:
a. disorders of fertility and the urogenital system
b. disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
c. disorders of the musculoskeletal system
d. AP for surgical hypoalgesia in pigs
INTRODUCTION
Part 1 (General concepts of AP), STRESSED the importance of the Transposition System. For western vets, this is easier to learn and to use than the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical (TCVM) system. However, some TCVM points in large animals are very important and have no counterpart in the human system. Therefore, it is necessary to learn some of the TCVM points.
This paper (Part 2) will discuss AP as practised by western vets under two main headings:
2.1 the TCVM points
2.2 specific examples of AP analgesia and therapy in cattle and pigs
2.1 Traditional Chinese Vet Medical (TCVM) points
Some textbooks in Chinese, Japanese and other oriental languages describe the location and uses of TCVM points in horses, cattle, pigs, camels, goats and other animals. Because of difficulty in translation, many of these texts are unknown to western vets. For example, Dr. Jen Hsou Lin has published his book, but in Chinese. We need translations of the good texts on TCVM into western languages as an urgent priority. This would help in the study and research of vet AP in the west. However, some texts have been translated already (Klide & Kung 1977; Westermayer 1978, 1980; Rubin 1976; White 1985) and other texts use a combination of traditional, transposition and provocation methods to describe the location, function and uses of the points (Kothbauer 1983).
There are dozens of textbooks on human AP. Some of the better ones are listed in the references below. However, there are many differences in nomenclature, point functions, point location and point combinations for therapy between these human texts. The same problem exists for the TCVM texts.
There is a great need for scholars to produce an INTEGRATED text which would amalgamate the data available from all sources and produce a standardised text for each species.
The text by Dr. Lin will be used to show some of the differences and difficulties between the TCVM and the human transposition system. Figures 7-12 show the location of the TCVM points in cattle and pigs (Lin 1985). Comparison of these figures with those of human texts (for example Anon 1980a) shows that some TCVM points are located in positions which agree with the human transposition system: ST36 (Zu San Li); GV04,12,14,26 (Ming men, Shen chu, Ta chui, Ren Zhong); CV08,12 (Chi chung, Zhong Wan).
However, many TCVM points have names, locations or functions which differ from those of human points. For example, Bai Hui is on the head in humans. It is coded GV20 and is used in headache, dizziness, nervous exhaustion and prolapse of the uterus or rectum.
In animals, Bai Hui is in the lumbosacral space, one space behind GV03 in humans. It is a most important point in animals (reproductive, urinary, intestinal problems and all conditions of the lumbosacral area and hindlimbs).
In humans, a "Strange point" (ShihChiChuiHsi) is in the lumbosacral space. Its human uses are lumbago, leg pain, pelvic limb paralysis, gynaecological disorders etc (Anon 1975).
Some important TCVM points (horse, cow, pig):
Figure 13 shows some of the TCVM points used for Electro-AP (EAP) analgesia (EAPA) for surgery in horses and cattle (Sun et al 1980). These points also have therapeutic uses.
Bai Hui GV line, in the lumbosacral space (= New human point Shih Chi Chui Hsi)
San Tai GV line, in the T3-T4 or T4-T5 space (SHEN CHU, = human GV12)
Shen Shu 2.5 tsun lat. to BaiHui
Tian Ping GV line, in the thoracolumbar space (= New human point Chieh Ku)
Wei Chien GV line, at the tip of the tail
Wei Gan GV line, in coccygeal 2-3 space
Wei Ken GV line, in the sacrococcygeal space (YAO Shu, = human GV02)
Yao Pang 1 below tip of transverse process of L1. Needle ant. inf. towards
body of last thoracic vertebra.
Yung Chi between transverse processes of L5-L6 (= human BL26)
Ancient TCVM charts for the cow and pig show key AP points for the main thoracic and abdominal organs in the paravertebral area (see table 5 and figures 5 and 6). These are the TCVM Shu points, see Part 1 (1.3).
As in humans, reactivity at the Shu point and other TPs in the cow can be very helpful in diagnosis. Reactive Shu points need to be treated directly, or indirectly (for example by the use of Ting Points, or other Master Points). However, in the pig, because of difficulty in handling and the tendency to squeal at the slightest restraint, the Shu and TPs are of little diagnostic value but if diagnosis is made on other grounds, they are useful in therapy.
One of the most disturbing differences between TCVM and Transposition is the discrepancy in the location of the TCVM Shu points and the human Shu points. Many points of the human BL Channel (paravertebral Channel) do not appear on the TCVM charts but it seems certain that stimulation of the animal in regions corresponding to the (missing) points would have similar effects to those in humans, because of similarity of spinal innervation. It would be very valuable to repeat provocation experiments in cows and pigs, similar to those done already by Kothbauer and Schupbach. Systematic provocation and mapping of the reflex zones would quickly determine which of the two systems (TCVM or Transposition) is the more accurate. In practice this may not matter much, as it is well known that each organ in the thorax and abdomen is innervated by branches from 3-5 spinal nerves. Therefore, one would expect some overlap in the locations of Shu points and many possible Shu points for each organ, both longitudinally as well as laterally.
A look at table 4 shows that this is the case for the cow (Kothbauer). Table 5 shows that TCVM Shu points are omitted for PC, TH, KI, BL organs in the cow and pig and the location differs somewhat from that suggested by transposition from humans. Those interested in the traditional system may study the relevant texts.
TCVM is more easily learned by Orientals than by Occidentals. This is because the TCVM texts give point names by their Chinese character, making it much easier for the reader of Chinese to understand the system. Few westerners have sufficient motivation to study TCVM because of the difficulties involved. Some of these difficulties would be reduced if a new, integrated ("Standardised International") text could be prepared for each species, with alpha-numeric point codes and western translation of the point names.
2.2 Specific examples of AP analgesia and therapy in cattle and pigs
Appendix 2 and 3 of the paper "Choice of points for particular conditions" contain the "Top Ten" points for the main body areas and for the more common clinical conditions in humans which respond to AP. These prescriptions were produced by computer analysis from a large database of human AP text-books and clinical articles. These prescriptions may be applied to vet AP in the transposition method, using CHARTS 1-17 (Part 1 of this seminar).
However, some specific examples of AP treatment follow. Unless otherwise stated, the point coding used in the following section is based on the transposition method (see CHARTS 1-17 in Part 1 of the seminar). Where Chinese point names are used, they refer to the TCVM locations.
2.2.1 Disorders of fertility and the urogenital system in cattle
AP is useful in the following conditions: anoestrus, silent heat, repeat breeder (where the problem is hormonal or embryonic death) and cystic ovary (follicular or luteal cysts). It has also been used in bulls to improve libido, to increase sperm counts and in impotence and lumbosacral pain. It can influence the pelvic ligaments, cervix and uterus, vagina and vulva. Therefore, it helps in cases of dystocia, placental retention, delayed involution of the uterus after calving, postpartum uterine infection etc. It is also of great help in reposition of the prolapsed uterus and in returning the postpartum uterus to normal tone.
The most important points relating to reproductive function and genitalia are in the lumbosacral area, especially:
ovary, testis: BL22,23,51,52; GV04,05, especially BL23 (Kothbauer, Piper);
tubes, uterus horn: BL24,25;
uterus: BL26,26.1,27,28,31,32; GV03;
cervix, vagina, penis: GV02,03; BL29,30,31,33,34.
The other Channels crossing the lower abdominal area are: CV, KI, ST, SP, LV and GB. (See a chart of the human abdominal Channels). Points on these Channels may also influence the genitalia and reproductive system. For example:
ovary, tubes, testis: CV06,07; KI15; ST26; SP14; GB25,26
uterus horn: CV05; KI14; ST27; SP13; GB27
uterus body: CV04; KI13; ST28; SP12; GB28
cervix: CV03; KI12; ST29; GB27, 29, 30
vagina, vulva, penis: CV01,02; KI11; ST30; LV12
Distant points on the three YIN Channels of the foot (LV, SP, KI) may be added (especially SP06; LV05) but local points on the back, flank and belly will usually suffice.
Kothbauer and Greiff also mention injection of 2% procaine solutions in the paracervical area. To do this requires a very long needle (50 cm) inside a sterile insemination straw. The straw is introduced per vaginam to touch the vaginal wall lateral to the cervix. The needle tip is extended 20-30 mm through the vagina to lie beside the lateral wall of the uterus body. 10-20 ml of 2% procaine is injected on each side. This procedure can influence genital and reproductive functions.
Infertility (anoestrus, silent heat, repeat breeder, cystic ovary, nymphomania) (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Lakshmipathi, Fung, Greiff, Turnbull, Piper etc): Points are chosen, depending on the signs and diagnosis, as below. Particular attention is given to reactive points on the lumbosacral and paralumbar area, especially BL, GV and GB points. If one had to use just one single point, BL26 (bilaterally) is the most important. It can be used on its own (bilateral) or combined with BL23,27; GV03. Point BL26.1 (BL27 in Kothbauer's coding) is also very useful in reproductive disorders (Kothbauer, Piper).
In disorders of the hormones, endocrine points may be added, as required: thyroid (CV23; GV16; ST09,10; GB21,22); pituitary (TH22; GB20; GV20; ST08); pancreas (BL20,49; SP06; ST21); adrenal (BL22,23,51,52; GV04). Ovary points, especially BL23 are combined with endocrine points and points such as BL26, BL26.1 for cases with small inactive ovaries (Kothbauer, Piper).
AP point treatment may be of many types: simple needling (25-50 mm deep, 10-20 minutes), EAP (5-15 minutes; 5-35Hz), injection of the AP points with saline, homoeopathic preparations or procaine-based neural-therapeutic agents, moxa and needle-moxa. All these methods appear to work. Treatment can be for 1-3 times at intervals of 3-7 days. Mate at the next oestrus if the uterus seems to be free of infection. Oestrus may occur 1-80 days after AP in anoestrus cows and 1-10 days after AP in cycling cows.
A recent paper claimed excellent results in anoestrus cows using Laser (He-Ne, 632.8 nm, mean output power 6mW, 7.5mA, 1.5-3.0 mm light spot) focused on YINTI (the clitoris) from a distance of 5-30 cm. Treatment was 10 minutes/day for 6 days. Then rest 3 days and repeat, if needed. Serum progesterone levels were measured 10-30 days before and 30-100 days after AP. They confirmed that He-Ne Laser on Yinti (the clitoris) had a luteolytic effect and tended to synchronise oestrus. The research continues (Yu Chuan 1983).
Reposition of prolapsed uterus (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Kuussaari, Turnbull): The main points are GV02,03,04; BL53,34,32,30,28,26,24 (or BL54,52,33,31,29,27,25,23; CV02). The needles are placed to a depth of 25-50 mm. The farmer may twirl the needles for a few seconds each, repeating every two minutes, while the vet is preparing for surgery. Within 15 minutes, the congestion is much less and the uterus can be returned easily without the need for epidural anaesthesia.
It helps if the hindquarter is raised or if the cow is standing. After the reposition, a restraining harness or vulval sutures may be used.
Dystocia (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Kuussaari): The same points are used as in reposition. Relaxation of the ligaments and cervix can give great assistance and the uterus contracts more vigorously and in a more coordinated manner in response to AP at those points.
Retained placenta, delayed involution of uterus, metritis, toxaemia (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Muxeneder): AP can help to restore normal size, muscle tone and function of the uterus postpartum. If the cow is very sick, western medicine is used (in shock, infection, toxaemia). However AP can also help. Guided by the main signs, points for toxaemia (liver: BL18,19,47,48; adrenal: see above); inappetance (stomach: BL20,21,49,50; ST36; liver: see above); lumbar area (BL22-27,51,52); shock (GV26; WEICHIEN; BL15,44; PC06); uterus (see above) etc are chosen.
In postpartum conditions, the cow is often cold. In such cases, moxa is preferable to AP, or moxa can be burned on the needles. Such cases are treated every 1-2 days for 2-5 times. Particular attention is given to any reactive points which may be found in the lumbosacral area.
Greiff injects homoeopathic solutions in the AP points but it is beyond the scope of this paper to attempt to describe the homoeopathic drugs and their uses.
Neonatal apnoea: In cases where the calf is born alive but fails to breathe, needling of GV26, TIP OF EAR point and WEICHIEN is very good (Kothbauer, Kuussaari).
Reluctance to suckle: To increase the suckling reflex in calves, Kothbauer needles GV28 (at the openings of nasopalatine ducts on the dental pad).
Urinary disorders: The more common urinary disorders in cows which can be helped by AP are nephritis, cystitis, dysuria and urinary (fluid) retention. The most important points are:
Kidney: (BL22,23,24,51,52; GV04,05; ST25; SP15; KI16; GB25; LV13; CV07,08; HuaToJiaJi in area T12-L3). SP13 is the Mu point of the kidney.
Ureter: (BL25,26,27; GV03; ST26,27; SP14; KI14,13; GB26; CV05,06; HuaToJiaJi in area L3-S1)
Bladder: (BL28-34,53,54; GV02,3; ST28,29; SP13; KI11,12; GB27,28; CV02,03,04; HuaToJiaJi in area S2-S4).
Points are chosen as for fertility problems (reactive points, points for the major affected organ or for the major symptoms). In serious infections, western treatment (antibacterial drugs) can be combined with AP.
1. Part 1 discussed the Transposition System. Cow charts were prepared. The Cookbook Prescriptions from human texts (APPENDIX 2 and 3 of the paper on the CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS) can be used with those charts. These charts are not absolute; they are only guides. Your own mental constructs will allow you to apply a similar transposition to the pig.
Part 2 examines AP therapy in specific cases, having first mentioned briefly the traditional texts on Cattle and Pigs.
2. AP treatment of the following conditions in cattle is discussed in some detail, mainly following the transposition system but using, where necessary, points from Kothbauer's system and the traditional system:
a. disorders of fertility and the urogenital system
b. disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
c. disorders of the liver and metabolic disorders
d. disorders of the musculoskeletal system
e. disorders of the respiratory system
f. AP for surgical hypoalgesia in cows
3. AP treatment of the following conditions in pigs is discussed:
a. disorders of fertility and the urogenital system
b. disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
c. disorders of the musculoskeletal system
d. AP for surgical hypoalgesia in pigs
INTRODUCTION
Part 1 (General concepts of AP), STRESSED the importance of the Transposition System. For western vets, this is easier to learn and to use than the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical (TCVM) system. However, some TCVM points in large animals are very important and have no counterpart in the human system. Therefore, it is necessary to learn some of the TCVM points.
This paper (Part 2) will discuss AP as practised by western vets under two main headings:
2.1 the TCVM points
2.2 specific examples of AP analgesia and therapy in cattle and pigs
2.1 Traditional Chinese Vet Medical (TCVM) points
Some textbooks in Chinese, Japanese and other oriental languages describe the location and uses of TCVM points in horses, cattle, pigs, camels, goats and other animals. Because of difficulty in translation, many of these texts are unknown to western vets. For example, Dr. Jen Hsou Lin has published his book, but in Chinese. We need translations of the good texts on TCVM into western languages as an urgent priority. This would help in the study and research of vet AP in the west. However, some texts have been translated already (Klide & Kung 1977; Westermayer 1978, 1980; Rubin 1976; White 1985) and other texts use a combination of traditional, transposition and provocation methods to describe the location, function and uses of the points (Kothbauer 1983).
There are dozens of textbooks on human AP. Some of the better ones are listed in the references below. However, there are many differences in nomenclature, point functions, point location and point combinations for therapy between these human texts. The same problem exists for the TCVM texts.
There is a great need for scholars to produce an INTEGRATED text which would amalgamate the data available from all sources and produce a standardised text for each species.
The text by Dr. Lin will be used to show some of the differences and difficulties between the TCVM and the human transposition system. Figures 7-12 show the location of the TCVM points in cattle and pigs (Lin 1985). Comparison of these figures with those of human texts (for example Anon 1980a) shows that some TCVM points are located in positions which agree with the human transposition system: ST36 (Zu San Li); GV04,12,14,26 (Ming men, Shen chu, Ta chui, Ren Zhong); CV08,12 (Chi chung, Zhong Wan).
However, many TCVM points have names, locations or functions which differ from those of human points. For example, Bai Hui is on the head in humans. It is coded GV20 and is used in headache, dizziness, nervous exhaustion and prolapse of the uterus or rectum.
In animals, Bai Hui is in the lumbosacral space, one space behind GV03 in humans. It is a most important point in animals (reproductive, urinary, intestinal problems and all conditions of the lumbosacral area and hindlimbs).
In humans, a "Strange point" (ShihChiChuiHsi) is in the lumbosacral space. Its human uses are lumbago, leg pain, pelvic limb paralysis, gynaecological disorders etc (Anon 1975).
Some important TCVM points (horse, cow, pig):
Figure 13 shows some of the TCVM points used for Electro-AP (EAP) analgesia (EAPA) for surgery in horses and cattle (Sun et al 1980). These points also have therapeutic uses.
Bai Hui GV line, in the lumbosacral space (= New human point Shih Chi Chui Hsi)
San Tai GV line, in the T3-T4 or T4-T5 space (SHEN CHU, = human GV12)
Shen Shu 2.5 tsun lat. to BaiHui
Tian Ping GV line, in the thoracolumbar space (= New human point Chieh Ku)
Wei Chien GV line, at the tip of the tail
Wei Gan GV line, in coccygeal 2-3 space
Wei Ken GV line, in the sacrococcygeal space (YAO Shu, = human GV02)
Yao Pang 1 below tip of transverse process of L1. Needle ant. inf. towards
body of last thoracic vertebra.
Yung Chi between transverse processes of L5-L6 (= human BL26)
Ancient TCVM charts for the cow and pig show key AP points for the main thoracic and abdominal organs in the paravertebral area (see table 5 and figures 5 and 6). These are the TCVM Shu points, see Part 1 (1.3).
As in humans, reactivity at the Shu point and other TPs in the cow can be very helpful in diagnosis. Reactive Shu points need to be treated directly, or indirectly (for example by the use of Ting Points, or other Master Points). However, in the pig, because of difficulty in handling and the tendency to squeal at the slightest restraint, the Shu and TPs are of little diagnostic value but if diagnosis is made on other grounds, they are useful in therapy.
One of the most disturbing differences between TCVM and Transposition is the discrepancy in the location of the TCVM Shu points and the human Shu points. Many points of the human BL Channel (paravertebral Channel) do not appear on the TCVM charts but it seems certain that stimulation of the animal in regions corresponding to the (missing) points would have similar effects to those in humans, because of similarity of spinal innervation. It would be very valuable to repeat provocation experiments in cows and pigs, similar to those done already by Kothbauer and Schupbach. Systematic provocation and mapping of the reflex zones would quickly determine which of the two systems (TCVM or Transposition) is the more accurate. In practice this may not matter much, as it is well known that each organ in the thorax and abdomen is innervated by branches from 3-5 spinal nerves. Therefore, one would expect some overlap in the locations of Shu points and many possible Shu points for each organ, both longitudinally as well as laterally.
A look at table 4 shows that this is the case for the cow (Kothbauer). Table 5 shows that TCVM Shu points are omitted for PC, TH, KI, BL organs in the cow and pig and the location differs somewhat from that suggested by transposition from humans. Those interested in the traditional system may study the relevant texts.
TCVM is more easily learned by Orientals than by Occidentals. This is because the TCVM texts give point names by their Chinese character, making it much easier for the reader of Chinese to understand the system. Few westerners have sufficient motivation to study TCVM because of the difficulties involved. Some of these difficulties would be reduced if a new, integrated ("Standardised International") text could be prepared for each species, with alpha-numeric point codes and western translation of the point names.
2.2 Specific examples of AP analgesia and therapy in cattle and pigs
Appendix 2 and 3 of the paper "Choice of points for particular conditions" contain the "Top Ten" points for the main body areas and for the more common clinical conditions in humans which respond to AP. These prescriptions were produced by computer analysis from a large database of human AP text-books and clinical articles. These prescriptions may be applied to vet AP in the transposition method, using CHARTS 1-17 (Part 1 of this seminar).
However, some specific examples of AP treatment follow. Unless otherwise stated, the point coding used in the following section is based on the transposition method (see CHARTS 1-17 in Part 1 of the seminar). Where Chinese point names are used, they refer to the TCVM locations.
2.2.1 Disorders of fertility and the urogenital system in cattle
AP is useful in the following conditions: anoestrus, silent heat, repeat breeder (where the problem is hormonal or embryonic death) and cystic ovary (follicular or luteal cysts). It has also been used in bulls to improve libido, to increase sperm counts and in impotence and lumbosacral pain. It can influence the pelvic ligaments, cervix and uterus, vagina and vulva. Therefore, it helps in cases of dystocia, placental retention, delayed involution of the uterus after calving, postpartum uterine infection etc. It is also of great help in reposition of the prolapsed uterus and in returning the postpartum uterus to normal tone.
The most important points relating to reproductive function and genitalia are in the lumbosacral area, especially:
ovary, testis: BL22,23,51,52; GV04,05, especially BL23 (Kothbauer, Piper);
tubes, uterus horn: BL24,25;
uterus: BL26,26.1,27,28,31,32; GV03;
cervix, vagina, penis: GV02,03; BL29,30,31,33,34.
The other Channels crossing the lower abdominal area are: CV, KI, ST, SP, LV and GB. (See a chart of the human abdominal Channels). Points on these Channels may also influence the genitalia and reproductive system. For example:
ovary, tubes, testis: CV06,07; KI15; ST26; SP14; GB25,26
uterus horn: CV05; KI14; ST27; SP13; GB27
uterus body: CV04; KI13; ST28; SP12; GB28
cervix: CV03; KI12; ST29; GB27, 29, 30
vagina, vulva, penis: CV01,02; KI11; ST30; LV12
Distant points on the three YIN Channels of the foot (LV, SP, KI) may be added (especially SP06; LV05) but local points on the back, flank and belly will usually suffice.
Kothbauer and Greiff also mention injection of 2% procaine solutions in the paracervical area. To do this requires a very long needle (50 cm) inside a sterile insemination straw. The straw is introduced per vaginam to touch the vaginal wall lateral to the cervix. The needle tip is extended 20-30 mm through the vagina to lie beside the lateral wall of the uterus body. 10-20 ml of 2% procaine is injected on each side. This procedure can influence genital and reproductive functions.
Infertility (anoestrus, silent heat, repeat breeder, cystic ovary, nymphomania) (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Lakshmipathi, Fung, Greiff, Turnbull, Piper etc): Points are chosen, depending on the signs and diagnosis, as below. Particular attention is given to reactive points on the lumbosacral and paralumbar area, especially BL, GV and GB points. If one had to use just one single point, BL26 (bilaterally) is the most important. It can be used on its own (bilateral) or combined with BL23,27; GV03. Point BL26.1 (BL27 in Kothbauer's coding) is also very useful in reproductive disorders (Kothbauer, Piper).
In disorders of the hormones, endocrine points may be added, as required: thyroid (CV23; GV16; ST09,10; GB21,22); pituitary (TH22; GB20; GV20; ST08); pancreas (BL20,49; SP06; ST21); adrenal (BL22,23,51,52; GV04). Ovary points, especially BL23 are combined with endocrine points and points such as BL26, BL26.1 for cases with small inactive ovaries (Kothbauer, Piper).
AP point treatment may be of many types: simple needling (25-50 mm deep, 10-20 minutes), EAP (5-15 minutes; 5-35Hz), injection of the AP points with saline, homoeopathic preparations or procaine-based neural-therapeutic agents, moxa and needle-moxa. All these methods appear to work. Treatment can be for 1-3 times at intervals of 3-7 days. Mate at the next oestrus if the uterus seems to be free of infection. Oestrus may occur 1-80 days after AP in anoestrus cows and 1-10 days after AP in cycling cows.
A recent paper claimed excellent results in anoestrus cows using Laser (He-Ne, 632.8 nm, mean output power 6mW, 7.5mA, 1.5-3.0 mm light spot) focused on YINTI (the clitoris) from a distance of 5-30 cm. Treatment was 10 minutes/day for 6 days. Then rest 3 days and repeat, if needed. Serum progesterone levels were measured 10-30 days before and 30-100 days after AP. They confirmed that He-Ne Laser on Yinti (the clitoris) had a luteolytic effect and tended to synchronise oestrus. The research continues (Yu Chuan 1983).
Reposition of prolapsed uterus (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Kuussaari, Turnbull): The main points are GV02,03,04; BL53,34,32,30,28,26,24 (or BL54,52,33,31,29,27,25,23; CV02). The needles are placed to a depth of 25-50 mm. The farmer may twirl the needles for a few seconds each, repeating every two minutes, while the vet is preparing for surgery. Within 15 minutes, the congestion is much less and the uterus can be returned easily without the need for epidural anaesthesia.
It helps if the hindquarter is raised or if the cow is standing. After the reposition, a restraining harness or vulval sutures may be used.
Dystocia (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Kuussaari): The same points are used as in reposition. Relaxation of the ligaments and cervix can give great assistance and the uterus contracts more vigorously and in a more coordinated manner in response to AP at those points.
Retained placenta, delayed involution of uterus, metritis, toxaemia (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Muxeneder): AP can help to restore normal size, muscle tone and function of the uterus postpartum. If the cow is very sick, western medicine is used (in shock, infection, toxaemia). However AP can also help. Guided by the main signs, points for toxaemia (liver: BL18,19,47,48; adrenal: see above); inappetance (stomach: BL20,21,49,50; ST36; liver: see above); lumbar area (BL22-27,51,52); shock (GV26; WEICHIEN; BL15,44; PC06); uterus (see above) etc are chosen.
In postpartum conditions, the cow is often cold. In such cases, moxa is preferable to AP, or moxa can be burned on the needles. Such cases are treated every 1-2 days for 2-5 times. Particular attention is given to any reactive points which may be found in the lumbosacral area.
Greiff injects homoeopathic solutions in the AP points but it is beyond the scope of this paper to attempt to describe the homoeopathic drugs and their uses.
Neonatal apnoea: In cases where the calf is born alive but fails to breathe, needling of GV26, TIP OF EAR point and WEICHIEN is very good (Kothbauer, Kuussaari).
Reluctance to suckle: To increase the suckling reflex in calves, Kothbauer needles GV28 (at the openings of nasopalatine ducts on the dental pad).
Urinary disorders: The more common urinary disorders in cows which can be helped by AP are nephritis, cystitis, dysuria and urinary (fluid) retention. The most important points are:
Kidney: (BL22,23,24,51,52; GV04,05; ST25; SP15; KI16; GB25; LV13; CV07,08; HuaToJiaJi in area T12-L3). SP13 is the Mu point of the kidney.
Ureter: (BL25,26,27; GV03; ST26,27; SP14; KI14,13; GB26; CV05,06; HuaToJiaJi in area L3-S1)
Bladder: (BL28-34,53,54; GV02,3; ST28,29; SP13; KI11,12; GB27,28; CV02,03,04; HuaToJiaJi in area S2-S4).
Points are chosen as for fertility problems (reactive points, points for the major affected organ or for the major symptoms). In serious infections, western treatment (antibacterial drugs) can be combined with AP.
2.2.2 Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in cattle
Cows often develop digestive upsets, especially after calving or when on a high intakes of concentrates at peak lactation. These upsets include: inappetance, acidosis, acetonaemia (ketosis), fatty liver syndrome, atony of the forestomachs or intestines, abomasal torsion, diarrhoea, constipation etc. Cattle at pasture may develop tympany (bloat), diarrhoea, inappetance etc.
When treating digestive disorders, locate any reactive points between vertebrae T8-S4, especially in the paravertebral area, intercostal area and lateral abdominal areas on the left and right side. If reactive points are found, they are used. Points for the affected organs (rumen, reticulum; omasum, abomasum; small or large intestine; liver) or functions (stress- adrenal; appetite; nervousness etc) are added as needed. Distant points such as ST36; SP06; GB34 may be added to help the effect.
These points are especially useful in indigestion and diarrhoea, especially when combined with local points on BL, GV, CV Channels or with HuaToJiaJi points locally.
Points for the SPLEEN, PANCREAS, LIVER, ADRENAL are given in 2.2.1. above and the liver and metabolic disorders are discussed in 2.2.3 below.
Rumen, Reticulum: The most important points are on the left-hand side (Channels GV, BL and HuaToJiaJi points in the area T8-L1, left side). Points in the intercostal spaces 8-12 may also be important, as are CV, KI, ST, SP, GB, LV points in the posterior thoracic and anterior abdominal area (i.e.) the points ST21-24; SP14-17; BL18-22,47-51; KI18-23; GB24,25; LV13,14; CV10-15; GV05-9 and HuaToJiaJi points from T8-L1.
Omasum, abomasum: The most important points are on the right-hand side - basically similar to the rumen-reticulum points.
Intestines: Small intestine points are on the right-hand side and more anterior.
Large intestine points are on the left-hand side and more posterior.
In colic, Kothbauer uses BL51-1,51-2,51-3.
The most important points are on the Channels GV, BL and HuaToJiaJi points in the area L1-S4. Points in the abdominal wall may also be important, as are CV, KI, ST, SP, GB, LV points in the posterior abdominal area, (i.e.) points ST24-28; SP13,14; BL22-34,51-53; KI11-18; GB26,28; CV04-10; GV02-05.
Treatment is as in 2.2.1 above for chronic cases. In acute or serious cases, treatment is given every 12-48 hours, as needed.
2.2.3 Disorders of the liver and metabolic disorders in cattle
AP can help to restore normal function in metabolic disorders, including: bloat, acidosis, ketosis, nervousness, hyperthyroidism, convulsions, milk fever and "downer" cows, fatty liver syndrome etc.
In metabolic disorders, as in all clinical AP, the signs and history and the location of the reactive points are used to locate the organs, parts or functions affected. Points are chosen according to this information.
In serious conditions, other treatment (western drugs or oriental herbs etc) should be considered as the main treatment, with AP as a supplementary treatment.
Kothbauer's points for metabolic disorders are mainly for liver, adrenal and thyroid (see 2.2.1) but other points are added, depending on the clinical signs and the organs and functions affected. For example, in ketosis with constipation and drop in milk yield, points for liver, large intestine, adrenal and udder might be used.
Fatty liver syndrome with milk-fever (hypocalcaemic paresis): Combine points for liver, parathyroid, shock and circulatory disorders.
Parathyroid points: ST09; CV23; BL23,52.
Circulatory disorders: PC06; BL14,15; CV14,17; ST09,12.
Shock: adrenal points (2.2.1) plus GV26; BL15; WEICHIEN.
2.2.4 Disorders of the musculoskeletal system in cattle (Kothbauer, Westermayer, Turnbull):
Musculoskeletal disorders in cattle which respond well to AP include:
a. pain, sprain, trauma of muscle, soft tissue, spine and major joints;
b. tendovaginitis, pododermatitis, laminitis;
c. inflammation (arthritis), especially of the shoulder, elbow, carpus, hip, stifle, tarsus, cervical and lumbosacral vertebrae;
In most cases of arthritis, especially chronic cases, the pain and stiffness is mainly of MUSCULAR origin (Moss 1972; Fox 1975). If the muscles above and below the affected joint are in spasm or contain TPs, the spasmolytic effect of AP can result in great clinical improvement.
d. muscle paralysis due to nerve trauma (suprascapular, radial, facial, obturator, sciatic etc) and in the DOWNER SYNDROME (postpartum recumbency in the absence of detectable pathology). The genetic condition of spastic paresis ("straight hocks") in heavily-muscled European beef breeds can be helped but not cured by AP.
The principles of choosing points for musculoskeletal disorders are:
a. Identify the major affected area(s): neck ? shoulder ? elbow ? lumbar ? hip ? stifle ? etc or the affected nerve: facial ? suprascapular ? etc
b. Locate the reactive points in the muscles in, above and below the affected area. All TPs are used. In the case of lumbosacral sprain, search also the thigh and posterior tibial muscles. Many back injuries are caused by mounting other cattle and may be associated with injury of muscles in the hindlimb also.
c. Use TPs + 2-3 Local Points + 1-2 Regional Points +/- a Distant Point on a Channel through the affected area.
Some examples are given in table 6 but APPENDIX 3 of the paper on the CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS gives much more detail of points for various joints, nerves and body areas.
Lumbosacral or hindlimb pain in stud bulls: AP can be of great help in stud bulls who refuse to mate because of back or hindlimb pain. The principles of treatment are as in a), b), c) above.
DOWNER COW, postpartum recumbency (Westermayer; Kothbauer; Turnbull; Greiff): Where causes such as toxaemia, hypocalcaemia, metritis/mastitis/pneumonia, septicaemia, fractured pelvis or hindlimb bones etc have been eliminated or treated and the cow will not stand, the cause is often pelvic nerve trauma, sacroiliac or lumbosacral strain. In such cases, there is usually ischaemia and pain of the muscles nearest the ground. Occasionally there is also liver degeneration (fatty liver), general weakness due to poor nutrition and prolonged calving etc. AP combined with mechanical lifting (using a hip-lift) can give excellent results in 10-20 minutes. Some vets prefer EAP in such cases but point injection, strong needling or moxa can be successful also.
The most important points are GV02,03,14; BL23,40. Some vets add points from BL21-34,50-54 or other hindlimb points (table 6) also. If there is suspicion of forelimb involvement, add 1 or 2 forelimb points (table 6).
If the cow is depressed or "stupid", GV26 and WEICHIEN can be added. If the examination suggests the involvement of liver, uterus, gastrointestinal or other pathology, points related to these organs, especially if reactive, are added (see 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3).
Hock swelling and mastitis: Many cows with mastitis, especially of the hind-quarter, develop tarsal (hock) swelling, especially on the medial side. Westermayer, Kothbauer and Turnbull report that such cows often show pain points over the posterior sacral area and over the tuber ischii. In severe mastitis, intramammary antibiotic is advisable and in toxic cases or cases of suspect septicaemia/ bacteraemia parenteral injection of antibiotics and antitoxins may be needed. However, the mastitis and hock swelling can be helped by needling the pain points and other points for the udder and hock (see figure 3a and table 4). One might add some needles at LOCAL points (table 6) also.
Needling the points for the udder (table 4) can relax the teat sphincter and 200-1000 ml of pus and infected milk often leaks out spontaneously, within 5-10 minutes of AP stimulation.
In acute mastitis, AP treatment is every 1-2 days. In chronic mastitis or in hock swelling, sessions can be 2-5 days apart. Point injection or simple needling is effective.
Piper implants gold beads at ST36, BL27 in chronic mastitis, with BL30 (hind-quarter) or SP18 (forequarter). He also uses Moxa on the needles in chronic cases.
In disorders of milk letdown reflexes in heifers, Kothbauer uses the "MILK HOLE" (his ST18, at the entry point of the milk vein into the abdomen behind the sternum) with other udder points.
Peripheral nerve paralysis: AP can help to speed up the return of motor and sensory function following peripheral nerve trauma. The principles of treatment are: LOCAL points on or near the affected nerve (and bilaterally), regional points (see table 6), a chain of points along the nerve (for example BL23,36,40,60; GB30,31,34,39 in sciatic paralysis).
In motor and sensory paralysis, the consensus is that EAP is more effective than simple needling. However, simple needling has also given good results. In SENSORY paralysis, care must be taken not to cause electrical burns by setting the output of the electrostimulator too high. This is less likely to happen in motor paralysis but output settings tolerable by healthy tissue should be used as a guide to the settings in paralysed areas.
Treatment: intervals of 1-2 days in recent cases and 5-9 days in old cases. If improvement is not seen by one week after session 6, AP is not likely to be successful.
2.2.5 Disorders of the respiratory system in cattle (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Grady Young, Turnbull, Piper)
There are claims that AP alone, without antibiotics or herbal medicine, can rapidly and effectively treat severe infections, such as cholera, dysentery and pneumonia (Anon 1979a, 1980a). AP is successful also in bronchitis, cough, asthma, 'flu etc in humans.
Lower respiratory (lung, bronchi) problems: The main points in cattle are in the area of vertebrae T4-T8, especially BL, GV and HuaToJiaJi points, BL13-17,42-46; GV09-13 (plus GV14, if fever is present); HuaToJiaJi beside vertebrae T4-T8.
The other Channels crossing the thorax are ST, SP, KI, GB, LV, CV. Points on these Channels over the lung area can be used. The arm YIN Channels (LU, PC, HT) also influence the lung, especially points LU05; PC06.
In lower respiratory problems, a careful search of the paravertebral area T4-T8 or 9 and the intercostal area and sternal area will usually show some pain points. There are used in AP therapy.
Few western vets claim good results with AP alone in pneumonia, lung allergy, congestion and bronchospasm in cattle. This may be because few have tried it. Most would use Western drugs in such cases and would use AP only as a supplementary treatment. Experts, such as Kothbauer and Westermayer combine AP with other methods in pneumonia. Grady Young has reported good success with cold Laser on the LU reflex points (BL13-16 area) in cattle with shipping fever (Pasteurella pneumonia). If the claim can be verified by other clinicians, the implications for vet and human medicine are very great. Recently, Nam et al (1996) reported the results of a controlled trial of AP alone v AP + medication v medication alone in the treatment of respiratory disease ('flu, bronchitis, pneumonia) in calves. AP was given daily at ... for ... days. The results showed ...
Upper respiratory problems: AP has been used in many species (man and animals) in disorders of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx and trachea. These conditions include inflammation (rhinitis, sinusitis etc), bleeding, signs such as coughing, hoarseness, reluctance to swallow etc.
The choice of points for upper respiratory conditions would be based on the site of the problem. (Is the cough due to irritation of the lung, trachea, larynx, pharynx etc or is it secondary to circulatory failure etc ?).
The main points would be LOCAL (over or near the primary affected parts) but lung Shu and Mu points (BL13; LU01) might be included and Distant Points such as LU05; LI04; GB20 might be added, depending on the primary affected part.
Example: Rhinitis, sinusitis: Local points would include LI20; GV24,26; YINTANG (between the eyes in humans). Distant points from LU07; LI04. Shu point for Lung (lung controls respiratory system): BL13.
Treatment: every 1-2 days in acute cases or 3-7 days in chronic cases.
Technique: personal preference (mainly needling or point injection).
2.2.6 AP for surgical hypoalgesia in cows
Acupuncture analgesia (APA) is not a correct term. It should be called AP HYPOALGESIA, as it is NOT a true analgesia.
AP as a surgical analgesic has advantages and disadvantages. More details are in the attached paper "AP ANALGESIA FOR VETERINARY SURGERY".
Teat surgery under APA was reported by Kothbauer in the early 1970s. Since then, he, White, Lakshmipathi, Miljkovic et al and the Akita AP Research Unit (Cattle Health Centre) have reported successful laparotomies (Caesarians, rumenotomies etc). However, not all were perfect successes and Lakshmipathi used heavy sedation before APA.
The main problems of AP analgesia are:
a. Poor results by some operators (Baumgartner and Kanis 1983)
b. Variable results, even in skilled hands (other anaesthetic, such as xylocaine, may be needed to supplement the APA effect)
c. Adequate restraint is needed whether operating in the standing or lying position
d. Excessive stimulation of the AP points in the GV or paraspinal area may cause the cow to lie down.
e. No agreement as to the best combination of points for APA
f. Induction period of 20-40 minutes
g. Poor muscle relaxation may impede surgeon
Points and method used in abdominal surgery by various workers were: Figure 13 shows the location of the main APA points in cattle and horses by Sun et al (1980). Although many combinations of those points are possible, one might use BaiHui; TIANPING; YAOPANG 1 as the basic set, with more anterior points added for more anterior surgery and more posterior points added for more posterior surgery.
Kothbauer: usually excellent result. Sometimes, local anaesthetic was needed. Points: BL30; LV14 (ICS8, level with shoulder). Frequency 3-40Hz
Akita AP Res. Unit: excellent results. Different combinations were tried. Points: TIANPING; BaiHui together were best. Frequency 30Hz.
Miljkovic et al (1981): good result in 4 caesarians but analgesia was not perfect. Points: BL30; LV14. Frequency 3-40Hz
Lakshmipathi (1983): excellent results reported but sedation was used. Sedation (triflupromazine 0.2mg/kg bodyweight). Points: TH08; BL30; LV14; BaiHui; TIANPING; WEIGAN. Frequency 120-200Hz
Baumgartner and Kanis: Bad results !! Points: GV02; BaiHui; SP18; BL30. Frequency 7-10Hz
Lin (1984): 2/3 laparotomies needed local anaesthetic to complete. Points: BaiHui; TIANPING
White (1985): (not full analgesia in one cow). Points: BaiHui (4-6cm); YAOPANG 1 (5-6cm); GV04 (4cm). Frequency 15-28Hz
At this time it seems unlikely that APA will replace drug anaesthesia but a combination of both, especially in high-risk cases of in prolonged surgery, seems practical. APA could be very valuable in national disaster and warfare, when drug anaesthesia may be unavailable.
2.3 AP treatment of disorders in pigs
Klide and Kung (1977) and Kothbauer (1983) discuss AP therapy in pigs and White (1985) gives some information on EAP in pigs. Most of the points in those texts are TCVM points. Data from those three sources were combined to produce a summary of the points and prescriptions for the pig. The data are attached in APPENDIX 1 of this paper.
For fuller details, those texts should be consulted. In general, the selection of points in the TCVM method is very similar to the selection in cattle or to selection by the transposition method.
The important criteria of point selection in pigs are:
a. Select some local points (near the affected part or organ)
b. Select reflex (Shu) points when organs are affected
c. Select Distant Points related to symptoms or to the affected organ.
AhShi points are not so important in the pig and Mu points are not mentioned in the pig texts. Mu points probably exist but have the same difficulty of use as AhShi points in pigs (too noisy !!).
2.3.1 Disorders of fertility and the urogenital system in sows
Lin et al: In Taiwan, large field trials have confirmed the value of BaiHui and WEIKEN in gilts and sows. These points induced oestrus in anoestrous females. The anoestrus was of two types: delay of cycling in gilts (first cycle at 9-13 months) or delay in oestrus post-weaning in gilts and sows. These conditions pose major problems in very hot climates and AP was as good as hormone therapy. Many methods (point injection, simple needling, EAP and direct moxa) were effective. Indirect moxa was not effective. Point GV04 (MINGMEN, in GV line between L2-L3) was NOT effective in the Taiwan trials (Lin 1984). Repeat the treatment after 14 days if unsuccessful at the first attempt.
Kuussaari got 60% success with points CV01,05,08; BL23,25; BaiHui in anoestrus sows, using manual or EAP for 10-30 minutes/day for 3 days at an interval of 3-7 days (mean 4-day interval).
Kothbauer uses points for the uterus and mammary glands in the MMA complex (Metritis-Mastitis-Agalactia) in sows. These points include BL26,26.1,26.2,26.3,27; BaiHui; SP06; ST and KI points on the abdomen.
Dystocia: EAP of points BL23-31 is very useful in the gilt or sow (Kothbauer).
Nephritis, cystitis, urinary retention: points for kidney or bladder are used (Kothbauer). These points are similar to those in cows (see 2.2.1).
2.3.2 Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in pigs
Lin et al: Field trials of AP in E.coli enteritis in piglets in Taiwan confirmed that AP was as good as antibiotic (Spiramycin) in treating scour. Points used were: T 4, HL17, HN 8, HN10 (Bai Hui, Chiao Chao, Shan Ken, Yu Tang) /or/ T 18, FL 6, HL1, 7 (Pi Shu, Zu San Li, Chiao Chao) /or/ HN 8, FL15, T18 (Shan Ken, Ti Men, Pi Shu). All three combinations were effective when needled for 1 minute/point/day for 3-5 days (Lin 1984).
Kothbauer, White: Indigestion: points behind the last rib (BL21,50) and ST36 are very good (Kothbauer; White).
2.3.3 Disorders of the musculoskeletal system in pigs
Musculoskeletal disorders in pigs are treated similarly to those in dogs, horses, cattle or humans. Lumbar or hip pain in boars may cause them to refuse to mount the sow. AP can be very effective (using points of the BL Channel in the area L3-S1 and BaiHui. If the hip is involved, points GB30,31,34 can be added). Downer sows postpartum also respond well.
TCVM points for the joints are shown in APPENDIX 1 of this paper and transposition points for the main joints are in APPENDIX 2 and 3 of the paper on the CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS.
Lin reports 25/30 (83%) cure with AP in locomotor disturbance in pigs in Taiwan trials (Lin 1984).
Pigs also suffer from a myopathic form of the Stress Syndrome. The heavy muscles of the shoulder, back or hindquarters may become very painful and myoglobinuria, with kidney and liver damage, may occur. The pig may show severe lameness or may seem to be paralysed in the fore- and/or hind-quarter. Kothbauer and Westermayer have treated many of these cases using AhShi points (the most painful point in the affected muscles) with points for the area. If needed, points for the kidney and adrenal (GV04; BL23,52 area) and for liver (BL18-20,47-49) may be added.
2.3.4 AP for surgical hypoalgesia in pigs
Chinese texts claim that AP can induce surgical analgesia in pigs. Japanese and Taiwanese workers have tried it but Western vets do not seem to have done so. Electrical stimulation should be strong but not too strong.
Lin (1984): a. Inguinal hernia, castration: HUI YIN (CV01), Bai Hui (GV03), 2 cases; good result but pain when spermatic cord pulled).
b. laparotomy: AN SHEN useless in one case. Zu San Li (ST36) was good but the peritoneum was very sensitive.
Akita AP Research Unit: abdominal and inguinal surgery: BaiHui, TIAN PING (no statistics available but results were good)
Chan (1985): points from Chinese text for pig AP analgesia in laparotomy. AN SHEN (behind jaw, midway base of ear to ventral edge of neck. 10 cm needle guided inside mandible to lie near last molar. TUAN HSUEH (T 19) (3-6 cm deep); BaiHui (T 4) (3-6 cm deep); SHEN MEN (T 20) (3-6 cm deep); San Yang Luo (TH08) to YE YAN (PC05)
Cows often develop digestive upsets, especially after calving or when on a high intakes of concentrates at peak lactation. These upsets include: inappetance, acidosis, acetonaemia (ketosis), fatty liver syndrome, atony of the forestomachs or intestines, abomasal torsion, diarrhoea, constipation etc. Cattle at pasture may develop tympany (bloat), diarrhoea, inappetance etc.
When treating digestive disorders, locate any reactive points between vertebrae T8-S4, especially in the paravertebral area, intercostal area and lateral abdominal areas on the left and right side. If reactive points are found, they are used. Points for the affected organs (rumen, reticulum; omasum, abomasum; small or large intestine; liver) or functions (stress- adrenal; appetite; nervousness etc) are added as needed. Distant points such as ST36; SP06; GB34 may be added to help the effect.
These points are especially useful in indigestion and diarrhoea, especially when combined with local points on BL, GV, CV Channels or with HuaToJiaJi points locally.
Points for the SPLEEN, PANCREAS, LIVER, ADRENAL are given in 2.2.1. above and the liver and metabolic disorders are discussed in 2.2.3 below.
Rumen, Reticulum: The most important points are on the left-hand side (Channels GV, BL and HuaToJiaJi points in the area T8-L1, left side). Points in the intercostal spaces 8-12 may also be important, as are CV, KI, ST, SP, GB, LV points in the posterior thoracic and anterior abdominal area (i.e.) the points ST21-24; SP14-17; BL18-22,47-51; KI18-23; GB24,25; LV13,14; CV10-15; GV05-9 and HuaToJiaJi points from T8-L1.
Omasum, abomasum: The most important points are on the right-hand side - basically similar to the rumen-reticulum points.
Intestines: Small intestine points are on the right-hand side and more anterior.
Large intestine points are on the left-hand side and more posterior.
In colic, Kothbauer uses BL51-1,51-2,51-3.
The most important points are on the Channels GV, BL and HuaToJiaJi points in the area L1-S4. Points in the abdominal wall may also be important, as are CV, KI, ST, SP, GB, LV points in the posterior abdominal area, (i.e.) points ST24-28; SP13,14; BL22-34,51-53; KI11-18; GB26,28; CV04-10; GV02-05.
Treatment is as in 2.2.1 above for chronic cases. In acute or serious cases, treatment is given every 12-48 hours, as needed.
2.2.3 Disorders of the liver and metabolic disorders in cattle
AP can help to restore normal function in metabolic disorders, including: bloat, acidosis, ketosis, nervousness, hyperthyroidism, convulsions, milk fever and "downer" cows, fatty liver syndrome etc.
In metabolic disorders, as in all clinical AP, the signs and history and the location of the reactive points are used to locate the organs, parts or functions affected. Points are chosen according to this information.
In serious conditions, other treatment (western drugs or oriental herbs etc) should be considered as the main treatment, with AP as a supplementary treatment.
Kothbauer's points for metabolic disorders are mainly for liver, adrenal and thyroid (see 2.2.1) but other points are added, depending on the clinical signs and the organs and functions affected. For example, in ketosis with constipation and drop in milk yield, points for liver, large intestine, adrenal and udder might be used.
Fatty liver syndrome with milk-fever (hypocalcaemic paresis): Combine points for liver, parathyroid, shock and circulatory disorders.
Parathyroid points: ST09; CV23; BL23,52.
Circulatory disorders: PC06; BL14,15; CV14,17; ST09,12.
Shock: adrenal points (2.2.1) plus GV26; BL15; WEICHIEN.
2.2.4 Disorders of the musculoskeletal system in cattle (Kothbauer, Westermayer, Turnbull):
Musculoskeletal disorders in cattle which respond well to AP include:
a. pain, sprain, trauma of muscle, soft tissue, spine and major joints;
b. tendovaginitis, pododermatitis, laminitis;
c. inflammation (arthritis), especially of the shoulder, elbow, carpus, hip, stifle, tarsus, cervical and lumbosacral vertebrae;
In most cases of arthritis, especially chronic cases, the pain and stiffness is mainly of MUSCULAR origin (Moss 1972; Fox 1975). If the muscles above and below the affected joint are in spasm or contain TPs, the spasmolytic effect of AP can result in great clinical improvement.
d. muscle paralysis due to nerve trauma (suprascapular, radial, facial, obturator, sciatic etc) and in the DOWNER SYNDROME (postpartum recumbency in the absence of detectable pathology). The genetic condition of spastic paresis ("straight hocks") in heavily-muscled European beef breeds can be helped but not cured by AP.
The principles of choosing points for musculoskeletal disorders are:
a. Identify the major affected area(s): neck ? shoulder ? elbow ? lumbar ? hip ? stifle ? etc or the affected nerve: facial ? suprascapular ? etc
b. Locate the reactive points in the muscles in, above and below the affected area. All TPs are used. In the case of lumbosacral sprain, search also the thigh and posterior tibial muscles. Many back injuries are caused by mounting other cattle and may be associated with injury of muscles in the hindlimb also.
c. Use TPs + 2-3 Local Points + 1-2 Regional Points +/- a Distant Point on a Channel through the affected area.
Some examples are given in table 6 but APPENDIX 3 of the paper on the CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS gives much more detail of points for various joints, nerves and body areas.
Lumbosacral or hindlimb pain in stud bulls: AP can be of great help in stud bulls who refuse to mate because of back or hindlimb pain. The principles of treatment are as in a), b), c) above.
DOWNER COW, postpartum recumbency (Westermayer; Kothbauer; Turnbull; Greiff): Where causes such as toxaemia, hypocalcaemia, metritis/mastitis/pneumonia, septicaemia, fractured pelvis or hindlimb bones etc have been eliminated or treated and the cow will not stand, the cause is often pelvic nerve trauma, sacroiliac or lumbosacral strain. In such cases, there is usually ischaemia and pain of the muscles nearest the ground. Occasionally there is also liver degeneration (fatty liver), general weakness due to poor nutrition and prolonged calving etc. AP combined with mechanical lifting (using a hip-lift) can give excellent results in 10-20 minutes. Some vets prefer EAP in such cases but point injection, strong needling or moxa can be successful also.
The most important points are GV02,03,14; BL23,40. Some vets add points from BL21-34,50-54 or other hindlimb points (table 6) also. If there is suspicion of forelimb involvement, add 1 or 2 forelimb points (table 6).
If the cow is depressed or "stupid", GV26 and WEICHIEN can be added. If the examination suggests the involvement of liver, uterus, gastrointestinal or other pathology, points related to these organs, especially if reactive, are added (see 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3).
Hock swelling and mastitis: Many cows with mastitis, especially of the hind-quarter, develop tarsal (hock) swelling, especially on the medial side. Westermayer, Kothbauer and Turnbull report that such cows often show pain points over the posterior sacral area and over the tuber ischii. In severe mastitis, intramammary antibiotic is advisable and in toxic cases or cases of suspect septicaemia/ bacteraemia parenteral injection of antibiotics and antitoxins may be needed. However, the mastitis and hock swelling can be helped by needling the pain points and other points for the udder and hock (see figure 3a and table 4). One might add some needles at LOCAL points (table 6) also.
Needling the points for the udder (table 4) can relax the teat sphincter and 200-1000 ml of pus and infected milk often leaks out spontaneously, within 5-10 minutes of AP stimulation.
In acute mastitis, AP treatment is every 1-2 days. In chronic mastitis or in hock swelling, sessions can be 2-5 days apart. Point injection or simple needling is effective.
Piper implants gold beads at ST36, BL27 in chronic mastitis, with BL30 (hind-quarter) or SP18 (forequarter). He also uses Moxa on the needles in chronic cases.
In disorders of milk letdown reflexes in heifers, Kothbauer uses the "MILK HOLE" (his ST18, at the entry point of the milk vein into the abdomen behind the sternum) with other udder points.
Peripheral nerve paralysis: AP can help to speed up the return of motor and sensory function following peripheral nerve trauma. The principles of treatment are: LOCAL points on or near the affected nerve (and bilaterally), regional points (see table 6), a chain of points along the nerve (for example BL23,36,40,60; GB30,31,34,39 in sciatic paralysis).
In motor and sensory paralysis, the consensus is that EAP is more effective than simple needling. However, simple needling has also given good results. In SENSORY paralysis, care must be taken not to cause electrical burns by setting the output of the electrostimulator too high. This is less likely to happen in motor paralysis but output settings tolerable by healthy tissue should be used as a guide to the settings in paralysed areas.
Treatment: intervals of 1-2 days in recent cases and 5-9 days in old cases. If improvement is not seen by one week after session 6, AP is not likely to be successful.
2.2.5 Disorders of the respiratory system in cattle (Westermayer, Kothbauer, Grady Young, Turnbull, Piper)
There are claims that AP alone, without antibiotics or herbal medicine, can rapidly and effectively treat severe infections, such as cholera, dysentery and pneumonia (Anon 1979a, 1980a). AP is successful also in bronchitis, cough, asthma, 'flu etc in humans.
Lower respiratory (lung, bronchi) problems: The main points in cattle are in the area of vertebrae T4-T8, especially BL, GV and HuaToJiaJi points, BL13-17,42-46; GV09-13 (plus GV14, if fever is present); HuaToJiaJi beside vertebrae T4-T8.
The other Channels crossing the thorax are ST, SP, KI, GB, LV, CV. Points on these Channels over the lung area can be used. The arm YIN Channels (LU, PC, HT) also influence the lung, especially points LU05; PC06.
In lower respiratory problems, a careful search of the paravertebral area T4-T8 or 9 and the intercostal area and sternal area will usually show some pain points. There are used in AP therapy.
Few western vets claim good results with AP alone in pneumonia, lung allergy, congestion and bronchospasm in cattle. This may be because few have tried it. Most would use Western drugs in such cases and would use AP only as a supplementary treatment. Experts, such as Kothbauer and Westermayer combine AP with other methods in pneumonia. Grady Young has reported good success with cold Laser on the LU reflex points (BL13-16 area) in cattle with shipping fever (Pasteurella pneumonia). If the claim can be verified by other clinicians, the implications for vet and human medicine are very great. Recently, Nam et al (1996) reported the results of a controlled trial of AP alone v AP + medication v medication alone in the treatment of respiratory disease ('flu, bronchitis, pneumonia) in calves. AP was given daily at ... for ... days. The results showed ...
Upper respiratory problems: AP has been used in many species (man and animals) in disorders of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx and trachea. These conditions include inflammation (rhinitis, sinusitis etc), bleeding, signs such as coughing, hoarseness, reluctance to swallow etc.
The choice of points for upper respiratory conditions would be based on the site of the problem. (Is the cough due to irritation of the lung, trachea, larynx, pharynx etc or is it secondary to circulatory failure etc ?).
The main points would be LOCAL (over or near the primary affected parts) but lung Shu and Mu points (BL13; LU01) might be included and Distant Points such as LU05; LI04; GB20 might be added, depending on the primary affected part.
Example: Rhinitis, sinusitis: Local points would include LI20; GV24,26; YINTANG (between the eyes in humans). Distant points from LU07; LI04. Shu point for Lung (lung controls respiratory system): BL13.
Treatment: every 1-2 days in acute cases or 3-7 days in chronic cases.
Technique: personal preference (mainly needling or point injection).
2.2.6 AP for surgical hypoalgesia in cows
Acupuncture analgesia (APA) is not a correct term. It should be called AP HYPOALGESIA, as it is NOT a true analgesia.
AP as a surgical analgesic has advantages and disadvantages. More details are in the attached paper "AP ANALGESIA FOR VETERINARY SURGERY".
Teat surgery under APA was reported by Kothbauer in the early 1970s. Since then, he, White, Lakshmipathi, Miljkovic et al and the Akita AP Research Unit (Cattle Health Centre) have reported successful laparotomies (Caesarians, rumenotomies etc). However, not all were perfect successes and Lakshmipathi used heavy sedation before APA.
The main problems of AP analgesia are:
a. Poor results by some operators (Baumgartner and Kanis 1983)
b. Variable results, even in skilled hands (other anaesthetic, such as xylocaine, may be needed to supplement the APA effect)
c. Adequate restraint is needed whether operating in the standing or lying position
d. Excessive stimulation of the AP points in the GV or paraspinal area may cause the cow to lie down.
e. No agreement as to the best combination of points for APA
f. Induction period of 20-40 minutes
g. Poor muscle relaxation may impede surgeon
Points and method used in abdominal surgery by various workers were: Figure 13 shows the location of the main APA points in cattle and horses by Sun et al (1980). Although many combinations of those points are possible, one might use BaiHui; TIANPING; YAOPANG 1 as the basic set, with more anterior points added for more anterior surgery and more posterior points added for more posterior surgery.
Kothbauer: usually excellent result. Sometimes, local anaesthetic was needed. Points: BL30; LV14 (ICS8, level with shoulder). Frequency 3-40Hz
Akita AP Res. Unit: excellent results. Different combinations were tried. Points: TIANPING; BaiHui together were best. Frequency 30Hz.
Miljkovic et al (1981): good result in 4 caesarians but analgesia was not perfect. Points: BL30; LV14. Frequency 3-40Hz
Lakshmipathi (1983): excellent results reported but sedation was used. Sedation (triflupromazine 0.2mg/kg bodyweight). Points: TH08; BL30; LV14; BaiHui; TIANPING; WEIGAN. Frequency 120-200Hz
Baumgartner and Kanis: Bad results !! Points: GV02; BaiHui; SP18; BL30. Frequency 7-10Hz
Lin (1984): 2/3 laparotomies needed local anaesthetic to complete. Points: BaiHui; TIANPING
White (1985): (not full analgesia in one cow). Points: BaiHui (4-6cm); YAOPANG 1 (5-6cm); GV04 (4cm). Frequency 15-28Hz
At this time it seems unlikely that APA will replace drug anaesthesia but a combination of both, especially in high-risk cases of in prolonged surgery, seems practical. APA could be very valuable in national disaster and warfare, when drug anaesthesia may be unavailable.
2.3 AP treatment of disorders in pigs
Klide and Kung (1977) and Kothbauer (1983) discuss AP therapy in pigs and White (1985) gives some information on EAP in pigs. Most of the points in those texts are TCVM points. Data from those three sources were combined to produce a summary of the points and prescriptions for the pig. The data are attached in APPENDIX 1 of this paper.
For fuller details, those texts should be consulted. In general, the selection of points in the TCVM method is very similar to the selection in cattle or to selection by the transposition method.
The important criteria of point selection in pigs are:
a. Select some local points (near the affected part or organ)
b. Select reflex (Shu) points when organs are affected
c. Select Distant Points related to symptoms or to the affected organ.
AhShi points are not so important in the pig and Mu points are not mentioned in the pig texts. Mu points probably exist but have the same difficulty of use as AhShi points in pigs (too noisy !!).
2.3.1 Disorders of fertility and the urogenital system in sows
Lin et al: In Taiwan, large field trials have confirmed the value of BaiHui and WEIKEN in gilts and sows. These points induced oestrus in anoestrous females. The anoestrus was of two types: delay of cycling in gilts (first cycle at 9-13 months) or delay in oestrus post-weaning in gilts and sows. These conditions pose major problems in very hot climates and AP was as good as hormone therapy. Many methods (point injection, simple needling, EAP and direct moxa) were effective. Indirect moxa was not effective. Point GV04 (MINGMEN, in GV line between L2-L3) was NOT effective in the Taiwan trials (Lin 1984). Repeat the treatment after 14 days if unsuccessful at the first attempt.
Kuussaari got 60% success with points CV01,05,08; BL23,25; BaiHui in anoestrus sows, using manual or EAP for 10-30 minutes/day for 3 days at an interval of 3-7 days (mean 4-day interval).
Kothbauer uses points for the uterus and mammary glands in the MMA complex (Metritis-Mastitis-Agalactia) in sows. These points include BL26,26.1,26.2,26.3,27; BaiHui; SP06; ST and KI points on the abdomen.
Dystocia: EAP of points BL23-31 is very useful in the gilt or sow (Kothbauer).
Nephritis, cystitis, urinary retention: points for kidney or bladder are used (Kothbauer). These points are similar to those in cows (see 2.2.1).
2.3.2 Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in pigs
Lin et al: Field trials of AP in E.coli enteritis in piglets in Taiwan confirmed that AP was as good as antibiotic (Spiramycin) in treating scour. Points used were: T 4, HL17, HN 8, HN10 (Bai Hui, Chiao Chao, Shan Ken, Yu Tang) /or/ T 18, FL 6, HL1, 7 (Pi Shu, Zu San Li, Chiao Chao) /or/ HN 8, FL15, T18 (Shan Ken, Ti Men, Pi Shu). All three combinations were effective when needled for 1 minute/point/day for 3-5 days (Lin 1984).
Kothbauer, White: Indigestion: points behind the last rib (BL21,50) and ST36 are very good (Kothbauer; White).
2.3.3 Disorders of the musculoskeletal system in pigs
Musculoskeletal disorders in pigs are treated similarly to those in dogs, horses, cattle or humans. Lumbar or hip pain in boars may cause them to refuse to mount the sow. AP can be very effective (using points of the BL Channel in the area L3-S1 and BaiHui. If the hip is involved, points GB30,31,34 can be added). Downer sows postpartum also respond well.
TCVM points for the joints are shown in APPENDIX 1 of this paper and transposition points for the main joints are in APPENDIX 2 and 3 of the paper on the CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS.
Lin reports 25/30 (83%) cure with AP in locomotor disturbance in pigs in Taiwan trials (Lin 1984).
Pigs also suffer from a myopathic form of the Stress Syndrome. The heavy muscles of the shoulder, back or hindquarters may become very painful and myoglobinuria, with kidney and liver damage, may occur. The pig may show severe lameness or may seem to be paralysed in the fore- and/or hind-quarter. Kothbauer and Westermayer have treated many of these cases using AhShi points (the most painful point in the affected muscles) with points for the area. If needed, points for the kidney and adrenal (GV04; BL23,52 area) and for liver (BL18-20,47-49) may be added.
2.3.4 AP for surgical hypoalgesia in pigs
Chinese texts claim that AP can induce surgical analgesia in pigs. Japanese and Taiwanese workers have tried it but Western vets do not seem to have done so. Electrical stimulation should be strong but not too strong.
Lin (1984): a. Inguinal hernia, castration: HUI YIN (CV01), Bai Hui (GV03), 2 cases; good result but pain when spermatic cord pulled).
b. laparotomy: AN SHEN useless in one case. Zu San Li (ST36) was good but the peritoneum was very sensitive.
Akita AP Research Unit: abdominal and inguinal surgery: BaiHui, TIAN PING (no statistics available but results were good)
Chan (1985): points from Chinese text for pig AP analgesia in laparotomy. AN SHEN (behind jaw, midway base of ear to ventral edge of neck. 10 cm needle guided inside mandible to lie near last molar. TUAN HSUEH (T 19) (3-6 cm deep); BaiHui (T 4) (3-6 cm deep); SHEN MEN (T 20) (3-6 cm deep); San Yang Luo (TH08) to YE YAN (PC05)
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
AP has little value as a SOLE THERAPY in acute surgical cases (such as rumen overload, severe acidosis, life-threatening bloat, abomasal or intestinal torsion, intussusception, displacement; rupture of internal organs etc.; fractures or severe trauma etc), acute toxaemia (coliform or clostridial mastitis), ulcers, severe organic pathology (such as fibrosis of liver (Senecio, ragwort poisoning) or kidneys (severe chronic urinary infections)). There is little evidence of useful effect of AP in cancer. However, trials in laboratory animals indicate some positive results and definite effects on immunostimulation. Similarly, in nutritional deficiencies (minerals, vitamins etc), environmental errors (calf house too airtight, ammonia smell etc), AP therapy will have little success on its own. Errors of nutrition and environment must be corrected.
AP can only work as a SOLE THERAPY when there is sufficient reserve capacity in the body's defence systems to repair the damage. However, because AP can influence all organs and functions to some extent (if the input, integration and output pathways are intact), it can be used as a COMPLEMENTARY therapy to almost any other form of therapy (surgical, chemotherapeutic, physical etc).
In life-threatening conditions or in severe cases (such as acute, virulent infections), AP is usually combined with western therapy, such as intra- venous Ca salts in hypocalcaemia, antibacterials in bacterial infection, surgery in foreign-body reticulitis and pericarditis etc.
AP in cattle and pigs can use the TCVM system, the transposition system, or (more commonly in western practice) combinations of both systems. This is because some important TCVM points have poorly documented equivalents in the human system. Western vets usually find the transposition system easier to learn than the TCVM system, whereas Eastern vets, who can understand the Chinese written characters may find the TCVM system easy to learn.
At its present state of development and in spite of its shortcomings and minor discrepancies with the TCVM system, the transposition system is very valuable in large-animal AP.
In the choice of points for therapy, one must IDENTIFY the organs, parts or functions which are affected. A careful search for Reactive POINTS associated with the affected parts helps the diagnosis and indicates the basic AP points for treatment. Also, the best combination of points to help the patient will usually include some Local Points, Shu and Mu points, points according to the NERVE SUPPLY and (occasionally) Distant Points for the affected area, or on a Channel linked to the area, or points for the SYMPTOMS.
Beginners should concentrate on learning the position and uses of points in the paravertebral area (HuaToJiaJi, BL and GV Channel points) and the CV points. Study of points on other Channels can follow later. Beginners who lack experience and those who lack confidence in their own selection of points for therapy may use Cookbook AP, such as outlined in APPENDIX 2 and 3 of the paper on the CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS. Cookbook AP, though frowned upon by those fully trained in traditional methods, gives good results especially in the less complex cases.
The best method of stimulating the AP points is mainly a matter of personal experience and preference. Point injection is one of the quickest and most practical methods and is useful in many cases.
Large-animal AP is still a developing field. Despite centuries of use, many problems remain to be solved and more rigorous diagnosis and documentation of therapy and results is necessary.
Provocation experiments, such as those by Kothbauer (cows) and Schupbach (pigs) and the clinical association of reactive AP points with pathological disorder of specific organs (Piper, Greiff, Cain, Turnbull, Kothbauer, Westermayer) will refine further the transposition system into a highly effective diagnostic and therapeutic method.
REFERENCES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Dozens of veterinary colleagues in USA, Europe and Australasia have helped me to study AP since 1973. In particular, colleagues from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) have shared their experiences of large animal AP with me. There are too many names to list them all but some must be mentioned:
Dr. Ichiro Asakura, Kyoto, stimulated me to write the original paper for a training course for large-animal vets in Tokyo (1985).
The large-animal parts of this seminar are based mainly on the works of Drs. Walter Greiff, Yann-Ching Hwang, Alan Klide, Oswald Kothbauer, Jen Hsou Lin, Sheila White and the late Erwin Westermayer. Without them, this paper would not exist !
The human aspects of AP are based mainly on the works of Drs. Chien Chung, Willem Khoe, Ronald Melzack, Louis Moss, Janet Travell and on many anonymous Chinese authors of standard human texts. Drs. Felix Mann and Pekka Pontinen sent me copies of their works on human AP. Their ideas were used.
Drs. Shelly Altman, Marvin Cain, David Gilchrist, David Jaggar, Luc Janssens, Jukka Kuussaari, Jacques Milin, Dane Piper, Allen Schoen, John Turnbull and the late Drs. Satoru Ishizaki and Grady Young gave me great help and material over the years.
Heartfelt thanks to all of those people and to many more unnamed and especially to my wife Mena and our children (Oisin, Conor, Killian, Fionnuala and Ailin) for their patience when "Daddy is busy !".
AP has little value as a SOLE THERAPY in acute surgical cases (such as rumen overload, severe acidosis, life-threatening bloat, abomasal or intestinal torsion, intussusception, displacement; rupture of internal organs etc.; fractures or severe trauma etc), acute toxaemia (coliform or clostridial mastitis), ulcers, severe organic pathology (such as fibrosis of liver (Senecio, ragwort poisoning) or kidneys (severe chronic urinary infections)). There is little evidence of useful effect of AP in cancer. However, trials in laboratory animals indicate some positive results and definite effects on immunostimulation. Similarly, in nutritional deficiencies (minerals, vitamins etc), environmental errors (calf house too airtight, ammonia smell etc), AP therapy will have little success on its own. Errors of nutrition and environment must be corrected.
AP can only work as a SOLE THERAPY when there is sufficient reserve capacity in the body's defence systems to repair the damage. However, because AP can influence all organs and functions to some extent (if the input, integration and output pathways are intact), it can be used as a COMPLEMENTARY therapy to almost any other form of therapy (surgical, chemotherapeutic, physical etc).
In life-threatening conditions or in severe cases (such as acute, virulent infections), AP is usually combined with western therapy, such as intra- venous Ca salts in hypocalcaemia, antibacterials in bacterial infection, surgery in foreign-body reticulitis and pericarditis etc.
AP in cattle and pigs can use the TCVM system, the transposition system, or (more commonly in western practice) combinations of both systems. This is because some important TCVM points have poorly documented equivalents in the human system. Western vets usually find the transposition system easier to learn than the TCVM system, whereas Eastern vets, who can understand the Chinese written characters may find the TCVM system easy to learn.
At its present state of development and in spite of its shortcomings and minor discrepancies with the TCVM system, the transposition system is very valuable in large-animal AP.
In the choice of points for therapy, one must IDENTIFY the organs, parts or functions which are affected. A careful search for Reactive POINTS associated with the affected parts helps the diagnosis and indicates the basic AP points for treatment. Also, the best combination of points to help the patient will usually include some Local Points, Shu and Mu points, points according to the NERVE SUPPLY and (occasionally) Distant Points for the affected area, or on a Channel linked to the area, or points for the SYMPTOMS.
Beginners should concentrate on learning the position and uses of points in the paravertebral area (HuaToJiaJi, BL and GV Channel points) and the CV points. Study of points on other Channels can follow later. Beginners who lack experience and those who lack confidence in their own selection of points for therapy may use Cookbook AP, such as outlined in APPENDIX 2 and 3 of the paper on the CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS. Cookbook AP, though frowned upon by those fully trained in traditional methods, gives good results especially in the less complex cases.
The best method of stimulating the AP points is mainly a matter of personal experience and preference. Point injection is one of the quickest and most practical methods and is useful in many cases.
Large-animal AP is still a developing field. Despite centuries of use, many problems remain to be solved and more rigorous diagnosis and documentation of therapy and results is necessary.
Provocation experiments, such as those by Kothbauer (cows) and Schupbach (pigs) and the clinical association of reactive AP points with pathological disorder of specific organs (Piper, Greiff, Cain, Turnbull, Kothbauer, Westermayer) will refine further the transposition system into a highly effective diagnostic and therapeutic method.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Dozens of veterinary colleagues in USA, Europe and Australasia have helped me to study AP since 1973. In particular, colleagues from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) have shared their experiences of large animal AP with me. There are too many names to list them all but some must be mentioned:
Dr. Ichiro Asakura, Kyoto, stimulated me to write the original paper for a training course for large-animal vets in Tokyo (1985).
The large-animal parts of this seminar are based mainly on the works of Drs. Walter Greiff, Yann-Ching Hwang, Alan Klide, Oswald Kothbauer, Jen Hsou Lin, Sheila White and the late Erwin Westermayer. Without them, this paper would not exist !
The human aspects of AP are based mainly on the works of Drs. Chien Chung, Willem Khoe, Ronald Melzack, Louis Moss, Janet Travell and on many anonymous Chinese authors of standard human texts. Drs. Felix Mann and Pekka Pontinen sent me copies of their works on human AP. Their ideas were used.
Drs. Shelly Altman, Marvin Cain, David Gilchrist, David Jaggar, Luc Janssens, Jukka Kuussaari, Jacques Milin, Dane Piper, Allen Schoen, John Turnbull and the late Drs. Satoru Ishizaki and Grady Young gave me great help and material over the years.
Heartfelt thanks to all of those people and to many more unnamed and especially to my wife Mena and our children (Oisin, Conor, Killian, Fionnuala and Ailin) for their patience when "Daddy is busy !".
Table 1
Location of the SHU (paravertebral, Reflex) points in humans
T=thoracic; L=lumbar; S=sacral; "=tsun or body inch
Location of the SHU (paravertebral, Reflex) points in humans
T=thoracic; L=lumbar; S=sacral; "=tsun or body inch
Table 2
Location of the MU (anterolateral thoracoabdominal, Alarm) points in humans. ICS=intercostal space.
Location of the MU (anterolateral thoracoabdominal, Alarm) points in humans. ICS=intercostal space.
Table 3
Names, code, number of AP points, first and last point of each Channel. LU to LV inclusive are the 12 bilaterally symmetrical pairs. CV and GV are the midline Channels.
Names, code, number of AP points, first and last point of each Channel. LU to LV inclusive are the 12 bilaterally symmetrical pairs. CV and GV are the midline Channels.
Table 4
Kothbauer's pain points in the cow have diagnostic and therapeutic value. They are often reactive to palpation when the organ is irritated. The codes used here are amended according to the IVAS convention from those used by KOTHBAUER (see Figures 3a-3c). Some points differ in coding and location from those used in the ROGERS transposition system.
Kothbauer's pain points in the cow have diagnostic and therapeutic value. They are often reactive to palpation when the organ is irritated. The codes used here are amended according to the IVAS convention from those used by KOTHBAUER (see Figures 3a-3c). Some points differ in coding and location from those used in the ROGERS transposition system.
Table 5
Location of SHU points in humans, cow, pig.
Location of SHU points in humans, cow, pig.
Table 6
Examples of Local, Regional and Distant Points for musculo-skeletal problems (see APPENDIX 2 and 3 of the paper "CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS" also).
Examples of Local, Regional and Distant Points for musculo-skeletal problems (see APPENDIX 2 and 3 of the paper "CHOICE OF POINTS FOR PARTICULAR CONDITIONS" also).
Fig 1. Shu (paravertebral Reflex) points in humans.
Fig 2. Mu (thoraco-abdominal Alarm) points in humans.
Fig 3a. KOTHBAUER'S diagnostic points in the cow
Fig 3b. KOTHBAUER'S diagnostic points in the cow
Fig 3c. KOTHBAUER'S diagnostic points in the cow
Fig 4. Schupbach's "Hot Zone" following irritation of the uterus body and horn in minipigs. The most consistent.
Hot Spot was over the iliac wing, corresponding to BL26.3 in the transposition system.
Fig 5. Location of the Shu points in cattle by transposition (ROGERS) (1) and by TCVM (2)
Fig 6. Location of the Shu points in pigs by transposition (ROGERS) (1) and by TCVM (2)
Fig 7-13 (Lin 1985)
Fig 14-20 (Klide & Kung 1977)
Fig 21-23 (Kothbauer 1983)
Fig 24 (White 1985)
Fig 2. Mu (thoraco-abdominal Alarm) points in humans.
Fig 3a. KOTHBAUER'S diagnostic points in the cow
Fig 3b. KOTHBAUER'S diagnostic points in the cow
Fig 3c. KOTHBAUER'S diagnostic points in the cow
Fig 4. Schupbach's "Hot Zone" following irritation of the uterus body and horn in minipigs. The most consistent.
Hot Spot was over the iliac wing, corresponding to BL26.3 in the transposition system.
Fig 5. Location of the Shu points in cattle by transposition (ROGERS) (1) and by TCVM (2)
Fig 6. Location of the Shu points in pigs by transposition (ROGERS) (1) and by TCVM (2)
Fig 7-13 (Lin 1985)
Fig 14-20 (Klide & Kung 1977)
Fig 21-23 (Kothbauer 1983)
Fig 24 (White 1985)
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