THEORY OF THE FIVE SHU ACUPUNCTURE POINTS
There are believed to be five shu acupuncture points on each of the primary acupuncture channels. They are considered to be important in the process of formulating an acupuncture point prescription. They are all located on the limbs either distal to the elbow or distal to the knees. It is in these areas where qi is said to flow with a very dynamic nature. The shu acupuncture points are further classified as being either jing well, ying spring, shu stream, jing river or he sea. Generally speaking, these classifications are based on the seasonal application of the acupuncture points as well as the symptoms they treat.
Jing River Acupuncture Points
The jing river acupuncture points are located on or near the ankles or the wrists. They are located in the areas where the qi is said to flow.
He Sea Acupuncture Points
The he sea acupuncture points are located close to the elbow or the knee joints. They are located on areas where it is said the qi enters inwards. There are fifteen he sea acupuncture points because the large intestine, small intestine and the san jiao all have additional he sea acupuncture points on the leg called lower he sea points.
