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(293) "Valley" Points

Started by HB KIM, Oct 20, 2009, 05:16 PM

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HB KIM

POINTS WITH "GU (VALLEY)" IN THE NAME

LI4 (He Gu) = union valley
ST43 (Xian Gu) = sunken valley
SP7 (Lou Gu) = leaking valley
SI2 (Qian Gu) = front valley
SI5 (Yang Gu) = yang valley
UB66 (Zu Tong Gu) = foot passage valley
KD2 (Ran Gu) = blazing valley
KD10 (Yin Gu) = yin valley
KD20 (Fu Tong Gu) = abdominal passage valley
GB8 (Shuai Gu) = leading valley

There are many points with the word "Gu," (valley) in the name.  Among the 361 regular acupuncture points, 10 points have "Gu" in the name.  Let's go over the major actions or indications of each of these valley points.


1. LI4 (He Gu) = union valley
LI4 is a command point for the face.  "Valley" in relation to the face, can suggest disorders with the eyes, nose, mouth and tonsils.  LI4 is also a very famous point for Wind conditions, both exterior and interior.  You can image a Windy day in the valley.  LI4 can treat exterior Wind when combined with UB12, GB20, and DU16; LI4 treats interior Wind with GB20, DU16, and LV3.  UB12, "Wind Gate," is only for exterior Wind; but GB20, "Wind Pond," and DU16, "Wind Mansion," are good for both exterior and interior Wind, like LI4. 

2. ST43 (Xian Gu) = sunken valley
ST43 is called "Sunken Valley" for two reasons:  one is location, (ST43 is in the depression between the metatarsals); the second is effect, (needling this point will help reduce or "sink" foot swelling due to edema or trauma).

3. SP7 (Lou Gu) = leaking valley
SP7 is a very good point for gynecological leukorrhea since it's on the SP channel and the name implies the symptom.  SP7 not limited to treating leukorrhea; it can also treat other "leaking" problems in the eyes, nose and ears.  SP7 can be applied for ENT disorders with tearing, runny nose or fluid in the ear.

4. SI2 (Qian Gu) = front valley
Intradermal needling SI2 can reduce heat downward to treat a red face.  Although it's not a very common point according to point indication, it's very important in Korean Yin-Yang balancing acupuncture because it's the "water" point of the SI (Taiyang) channel.  If there is UB or SI channel pain including the neck, back, or scapula; sedate SI2 on the diseased side and tonify SI2 on the opposite side.

5. SI5 (Yang Gu) = yang valley
The Chinese character for "Gu" means valley.  There is a another Chinese character with the same pinyin, "Gu" which means food, as in "Gu Qi."  In regards to the body, valley refers to the genital area; food refers to the digestive system.  SI5 is used for both disorders of the genital area and the digestive system.

6. UB66 (Zu Tong Gu) = foot passage valley
UB66 is one of the most sensitive points on the body.  It treats severe pain in the head, eyeball, or on the UB channel.  For headache due to a stressful event, first needle HT5 (Tong Li), then UB66 (Zu Tong Gu).  Both have "Tong" in the name, meaning "open" or "passage".

7. KD2 (Ran Gu) = blazing valley
The name "Blazing Valley'' implies that KD2 is a fire point. It is close to KD6, "Shining Sea," which no doubt shines because of the blazing fire beside it.  This point can clear KD Yin deficient Heat, which makes it a good companion to "Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan"

8. KD10 (Yin Gu) = yin valley
Since "valley" was the delicate term used to refer to the genital area, Yin Valley undoubtedly refers to female genitalia. This point treats gynecological disorders such as vaginitis, inflammation of the uterus, leukorrhea or genital itching.  It also can be applied for impotence in men.

9. KD20 (Fu Tong Gu) = abdominal passage valley
UB66 (Zu Tong Gu), and KD20 have the same name "Tong Gu" with different prefixes.  If there is pain at KD20, UB66 can be needled; if UB66 is painful KD20 can be needled.  KD20 can also treat asthmatic patients in cases when asthma symptoms get worse after overeating.

10. GB8 (Shuai Gu) = leading valley
GB8 can be used for low appetite after alcohol intake. GB8 can also be applied to treat symptoms of vomiting or Cold Stomach in alcoholics.