The Energetics and

Treatment of Body Areas

Giovanni Maciocia
The Energetics and Treatment
of Body Areas

Occiput and Neck

Giovanni Maciocia

Su Wen Press
giovanni-maciocia.com
 Giovanni Maciocia (1945 – 2018) was a highly respected author, lecturer
and practitioner of Chinese medicine. He trained in England at the
International College of Oriental Medicine graduating in acupuncture in
1974 after a three-year course. He went on to study Western herbalism
and graduated from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists in
1977. He attended three postgraduate courses in acupuncture (1980,
1982, 1987) at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,
one of the foremost teaching institutions in China, where he was
later appointed Visiting Professor in 1996. There he gained invaluable
knowledge and clinical experience helped by his ability to read Chinese
which gave him access to Chinese medicine textbooks, old and modern.

In 1994 he founded Su Wen Herbs, a company which oversees the production of his line of herbal
formulas under three lines: The Three Treasures, Women’s Treasure, and The Little Treasures. The
formulas are based on classical Chinese formulae, adapted by Giovanni to address patterns more
commonly seen in clinical practice in the West.

Giovanni is also the author of several seminal textbooks on Chinese Medicine:

● Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine (1987), (1995) rev. (2021)
● The Foundations of Chinese Medicine (1989), rev. (2005)
● The Practice of Chinese Medicine (1994), (2007), rev. (2021)
● Obstetrics & Gynaecology in Chinese Medicine (1998)
● Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine (2003), rev. (2018)
● The Channels of Acupuncture (2006)
● The Psyche in Chinese Medicine (2009)
● The Energetics and Treatment of Body Areas – The Vertex (2012)
● The Energetics and Treatment of Body Areas – The Face (2012)
● The Energetics and Treatment of Body Areas – The Throat (2012)
● Clinical Pearls (2014)

Su Wen Press Ltd

Southwood, Grosvenor Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1NZ, United Kingdom
Copyright ©2020 by Giovanni Maciocia

Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in
evaluating and using any information, methods, compounds or experiments described herein.
It is the responsibility of practitioners, relying on their own experience and knowledge of their
patients, to make diagnoses, to determine dosages and the best treatment for each individual
patient, and to take all appropriate safety precautions.
To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the author assume any liability for
any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence
or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas
contained in the material herein.
 Table of Contents

Preface................................................................................ 1

Anatomy............................................................................ 3

Channels. ........................................................................... 4

Energetic Anatomy......................................................... 10

Symptoms and Signs...................................................... 14

Patterns............................................................................ 15

Diseases............................................................................ 17

Points................................................................................ 21

Herbs................................................................................ 30
 1

Preface

The curriculum of most schools of Chinese medicine is usually broken down into the
following topics concerning the theory of Chinese medicine:
• Physiology of the Internal Organs
• Aetiology
• Diagnosis
• Patterns of disharmony of the Internal Organs

In addition to the above, the acupuncture curriculum is based on the study of the
channels and points. Within each of these topics, various parts of the body are discussed.
For example, when studying diagnosis we break the subject down into interrogation,
observation, palpation and auscultation. Within each of these broad areas, students study
the diagnostic elements of specific areas.

For example, within interrogation, there are sections on the face, chest, abdomen, limbs,
etc. The same is done within observation.

As for channels and points study, when students study the channels, they will typically
study the course of the channel as a whole rather than a section of a channel in a particular
area of the body; the same is done for the acupuncture points, i.e. they usually study the
points for each channel and not the points specific to a certain area.

Figure 1 illustrates this concept. As can be seen in this Figure, we study the face, chest,
abdomen both within the interrogation and the observation; and the same will apply
to palpation. The result is that areas become disjointed and there is nothing to connect
elements of interrogation, observation and palpation relevant to a specific area; moreover,
nothing to connect elements of channels and points relevant to specific areas.

Face Face
INTERROGATION Chest OBSERVATION Chest
Abdomen Abdomen

Fig. 1. Categories of study of interrogation and observation.

 2

For example, we study the Kidney and Ren Mai points separately and we explore the
common therapeutic actions of the Kidney points and those of the Ren Mai points
separately. We do not explore what points from different channels sharing a particular
area might have in common, e.g. KI-25 Shencang and Ren-17 Shanzhong.

The purpose of this book is to turn this attitude on its head and to place areas first so that
everything else is subordinate to that. This book places areas first and each diagnostic and
therapeutic element relevant to that area is discussed together.

For each area I will discuss the following aspects:

1. Anatomy
2. Channels
3. Symptoms and signs
4. Patterns
5. Diseases
6. Points
7. Herbs
 3

Anatomy

Splenius capitis is a broad, strap-like muscle located in the

back of the neck. It connects the base of the skull to the
vertebrae in the neck and upper thorax.

One acting singly causes the head to rotate and bend

toward one side; together, these muscles bring the head
into an upright position. BL-10 Tianzhu lies between this
muscle and the trapezius.

Trapezius is a flat, triangular muscle that covers the back of the neck, shoulders and thorax.
The upper and lower fibres are important to the orientation of the scapula.

The upper part, acting alone, elevates the shoulder and braces the shoulder girdle when a
weight is carried. The lower part draws the scapula downward. When both these muscles
act together, the scapula can be brought toward the body and the head can draw directly
backward.
 4

Channels

The occiput is a ‘Tai Yang area’

Bladder channel

Small Intestine channel

 5

The pathway of the Du Mai is quite complex and there

is contradiction between the ‘Simple Questions’ and
chapter 16 of the ‘Ling Shu’ which considers the Du
channel as a continuation of the Liver channel flowing
down the spine.

In this chapter the Ling Shu describes the pathway

of the 14 channels as a continuum, i.e. Lungs, Large
Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine,
Bladder, Kidneys, Pericardium, Triple Burner,
Gall-Bladder, Liver, Du Mai and Ren Mai.
Du Mai

When the ‘Ling Shu’ describes the pathway of the

Liver it says:
“...travels upwards from the big toe to the liver,
from here moves upwards to the lung, then throat,
maxilla, nose and onward to the top of the head,
then moves downwards along the midline of the
neck, down the spinal column and the sacrum: this
is the Du Mai. It then links with the genital region,
passing through the pubic hair, etc...”

Wei Qi

Dr Van Nghi postulates that this is not in

contradiction with the upward pathway of
the Du Mai as he says that one concerns the
Ying Qi (upward) and the other the Wei Qi
(downward).

Ying Qi
6
 7

CLINICAL NOTE
1. Note ‘holster’ effect around shoulder and that it goes to front
(BL-58 for shoulder pain).
2. Note pathway on lower leg: distribution of sciatica.

KIDNEY MUSCLE CHANNEL

Travels internally to the spinal vertebrae, ascends the inner aspect of the spine to the nape
of the neck where the channel binds to the occipital bone, and converges with the Bladder
muscle channel.

CLINICAL NOTE
The Kidney Muscle channel flowing in the occiput is clinically significant.
A Kidney deficiency is a common background to occiput pathology such as
Bi Syndrome from Wind or Qi stagnation from emotions.
 8

SMALL INTESTINE MUSCLE CHANNEL

• Ascends the neck, anterior to the Bladder muscle channel,

to bind at the mastoid process.
• Ascends to behind the ear where a sub-branch enters the ear.
• Continues to ascend behind the ear to the region above the
ear where it then descends to bind at the mandible.
• Ascends across the teeth to bind at the outer canthus.
• Ascends to bind at the corner of the head near ST-8.

CLINICAL NOTE
Note branch to ear: SI-19 for deafness and tinnitus
 9

CLINICAL NOTE
Note branch to ear:
SI-19 for deafness and
tinnitus
 10

Energetic Anatomy

The neck is made of two parts, the occiput and the

throat. The occiput carries and supports the head: it
is both a hinge and a pillar (see BL-10’s name). It is
dominated by Yang and, in fact, it is responsible for
the motility (Yang) of the head.

The occiput also follows the sense of balance as it

constantly adjusts the position of the head in space:
it therefore permits the communication between
head and Heaven (Yang).

Thus, the occiput is a hinge (of Yang Qi) and the

throat is a passage of Qi of practically all channels
bar one on their way to or from the head. As such
it is very prone to stagnation.

DIVERGENT CHANNELS MEETING POINTS

CHANNELS MEETING POINT

Bladder - Kidney BL-10 Tianzhu

Gall Bladder - Liver GB-1 Tongziliao

Stomach - Spleen ST-1 Chengqi (or ST-9 Renying)

Small Intestine - Heart BL-1 Jingming

Triple Burner - Pericardium TB-16 Tianyou

Large Intestine - Lungs LI-18 Futu

As can be seen, all the Upper Meeting points are on Yang channels and are strategic,
important points: by providing a meeting of the Yin-Yang pairs of Divergent channels, these
points facilitate the rising of Yin Qi to the head and they therefore contribute to the balance
of Yin-Yang in the head. Balancing and regulating the ascending (a Yang movement) and
descending (a Yin movement) is also a function of the Upper meeting points.
 11

The neck is a very important area of exchange

of Yin and Yang on their way up to the head or
down from it.

All the Divergent channels reach the neck

and the Yang Divergent channels meet their
respective Yang Main channel in the neck
while Yin Divergent channels flow into their
paired Yang Divergent channel in the neck
(obviously eventually merging into the Yang
Main channel).

It is an important function of the Divergent channels to regulate the balance of Yin and
Yang, particularly in the neck and head: it is through the Divergent channels that the Yin
channels reach the neck and head (of the Yin channels only the Heart and Liver deep
pathways reach the head, interestingly Shen and Hun).

YANG DIVERGENT

Generally, the pathway of the Yang

Divergent channels follows this
NECK pattern:

they emerge at the neck and join

their Main channel.
ZANG
they enter the Yang organ to
FU which they are connected and
often (though not in all cases) the
related Yin organ.
YANG
DIVERGENT they separate from their Yang
Main channel.

YANG MAIN
CHANNEL
 12

YIN DIVERGENT

Yin Divergent channels:

NECK
• separate from their respective Yin Main
channel

• some connect with their respective Zang

organ (Heart, Lung and Kidneys)
ZANG
• join the related Yang Divergent channel
(e.g. KI-Divergent to BL-Divergent)

• then join the related Yang Main channel

on the neck
YIN DIVERGENT

YANG
YANG MAIN DIVERGENT
CHANNEL

DIVERGENT CHANNELS

NECK

ZANG ZANG

FU

YANG MAIN YIN MAIN

CHANNEL CHANNEL
 13

The exchange of Yin and Yang between Divergent channels in the neck takes place mostly
through the Windows of Heaven points and this is an important aspect of their function.
However, not all Divergent channels go through Windows of Heaven points.

In a nutshell:
OCCIPUT = WIND and YANG
THROAT = QI STAGNATION

DIVERGENT WINDOWS OF HEAVEN

Lung
LI-18
Large Intestine

Stomach
ST-9
Spleen

Bladder
BL-10
Kidneys

Pericardium
TB-16
Triple Burner
 14

Symptoms and Signs

DIAGNOSIS: OBSERVATION
Eczema back of neck
Many patients suffer from eczema or psoriasis on the
occiput and back of neck.

Location of a skin lesion in this area indicates first of all

the prevalence of Wind and secondly the prevalence of
Heat, as this is Yang area.

Raised shoulders
Raised shoulders indicate that the patient suffers from
asthma. In the absence of asthma, they indicate severe
emotional tension with Liver-Qi stagnation.

Rigidity of the neck

Rigidity of the neck may indicate Liver-Qi stagnation,
Liver-Yang rising (which may be from worry) or Liver-
Wind.

It also indicates stagnation of Yang Qi in the region of

occiput and back of neck.

DIAGNOSIS: PALPATION
Palpation of the neck area very often reveals a very hard muscle: this indicates Liver-Qi
stagnation or Liver-Yang rising.

In some cases, it may also be due to Blood stasis, in which case it would be very hard and
also very painful.
 15

Patterns

LIVER-YANG RISING
Liver-Yang rising frequently affects this area by causing stiff neck, neck-ache, dizziness
and headaches.

In chronic cases of stiff neck and neck-ache, Liver-Yang is a frequent cause: other
symptoms will include dizziness, red sides of the tongue and a Wiry pulse.

These headaches and neck-ache are usually due to emotional stress.

CLINICAL NOTE
Liver-Yang rising does not derive always from anger. Worry can make
Liver-Yang rise.

INVASION OF EXTERNAL WIND

Invasion of external Wind, and especially Wind-Cold, cause a stiff
neck and an occipital headache. In fact, this is one of the three
cardinal symptoms of invasion of Wind-Cold in the Shang Han Lun.

Wind-cold affects this area because it invades the most superficial

channels first which are the Tai Yang channels: in fact, as we know,
Tai Yang opens onto the Exterior and is the most superficial of the
Yang channels and performs a protective function.

For this reason, these channels are the first to be invaded. They are
also the first to be invaded because the Wei Qi is Yang in nature
and therefore performs its function particularly on the most Yang
surface of the body, i.e. the back of the neck and upper back (most
Yang because it is on the upper part of the body and the most Yang/
superficial channels).

EXTERNAL WIND
 16

INVASION OF COLD AND DAMPNESS

Cold and Dampness can invade the channels of this are directly
without causing the exterior symptoms seen in invasion of
exterior Wind. When Cold and Dampness invade the channels of
this area they give rise to a pattern of Bi syndrome.

Cold contracts and the main symptom is rigidity of the neck with
inability to turn the head and pronounced neck pain which is
aggravated in cold weather and alleviated in hot weather and the
application of heat.

Dampness may also invade the muscles of the neck, usually in

combination with Cold and it causes a dull neck ache and an occipital
headache with a pronounced feeling of heaviness of the head.

Points: BL-10 Tianzhu, Du-14 Dazhui, moxa.

KIDNEY DEFICIENCY
Kidney deficiency may cause dull, chronic headaches on the occiput
through the Bladder channel: the headaches occur on the Bladder
channel but the root is in the Kidney deficiency. These headaches
are usually due to overwork or, in men, excessive sexual activity.

INTERNAL WIND
Liver-Wind frequently affects this area in the elderly causing vertigo, rigidity of the neck
and neck ache.

Points: LIV-3 Taichong, Du-16 Fengfu, GB-20 Fengchi.

LIVER-QI STAGNATION
Liver-Qi stagnation frequently affects the muscles of the neck and occiput. Stagnant Liver-Qi
fails to nourish the sinews and this causes stiffness and local pain. The cause of this problem
is usually emotional strain (anger, worry, guilt).

With this pattern the muscles of the neck feel tighter and harder than in Liver-Yang rising: a
person suffering from Liver-Qi stagnation will tend to suppress his or her anger more than a
person suffering from Liver-Yang rising and the anger is accumulated and stored in the neck
muscles which become very tight and painful on pressure.

Points: LIV-3 Taichong, P-6 Neiguan, TB-5 Waiguan.

 17

Diseases

BI SYNDROME OCCIPUT
Bi syndrome of the occiput is very common and, in its beginning stages, is nearly always
due to the invasion of wind and cold in the muscles of this area.

Wind naturally invades the top part of the body and for this reason this area is frequently
affected.

Wind will manifest with rigidity of the neck and wandering pain while Cold will manifest
with a spasm of the neck and upper back muscles and intense pain.

In many patients, the invasion of wind and cold is complicated with Qi stagnation mostly
due to the Liver, Small Intestine and Triple Burner channel.

Distal Points
SI-3 Houxi, TB-5 Waiguan, SI-1 Shaoze, GB-39 Xuanzhong, Juegu, BL-60 Kunlun.

Local points:
GB-20 Fengchi, BL-10 Tianzhu, Du-14 Dazhui, Du-16 Fengfu, GB-21 Jiangjing, SI-11
Tianzong. Moxa is applicable.

CLINICAL NOTE
check all SI points from SI-9 to SI-14
 18

BI SYNDROME NECK AND TOP OF SHOULDERS

Pain in the neck and shoulders is an
extremely common complaint in Western
patients. The neck is a crucial part of the
body which readily reflects the state of
tension and stress of our society which
causes tensing of the neck muscles and
pulling of the head backwards.

One only needs to observe the effortless

and graceful way in which a toddler bends
down to pick up something from the floor
to realize the importance of the proper use
of the neck.

A toddler will bend from his or her knees and straighten up, all the time keeping the neck
free and the head forward. Most adults would instinctively pull the head backwards and
tighten the neck as they get up from a sitting position.

The situation is of course aggravated further for those who, in their work, have to keep
their head fixed in a position of intense concentration for long periods of time. For
example, typists, computer operators, draughtsmen, assemblers of electronic components,
and generally workers in many different types of factories using a production line.

AETIOLOGY
In discussing neck pain it is useful to distinguish acute from chronic cases.

Acute neckache is due either to invasion of Wind-Cold or to sprain. The symptoms are
similar in both cases: neck ache with sudden onset, rigidity or stiffness and a limitation of
movement in turning the neck from side to side.

An underlying Liver pattern (either Liver-Blood deficiency, Liver-Yang rising or Liver-

Qi stagnation) is a predisposing factor for this condition. If acute neck ache is due to
exposure to climatic factors, it is invariably due to Wind because this attacks the top part
of the body and causes stiffness and rigidity.

Chonic neckache develops as a consequence of repeated acute attacks which are not
treated properly. In chronic cases, an underlying Liver pattern is almost always present. In
women it is most likely to be Liver-Blood deficiency, in men it is most likely to be Liver-
Qi stagnation or Liver-Yang rising, and in the elderly it is more likely to be Liver-Fire or
Liver-Wind.
 19

Acute flare-ups of a chronic neckache are often typically elicited by exposure to wind. It
is not unusual to hear patients say that they always get a neck ache during spells of windy
weather, and some even say that an East wind will cause it.

TREATMENT
There are three main differences between the treatment of acute or chronic neck ache:
1) in acute cases the needles are manipulated more vigorously, i.e. with a reducing
method
2) in acute cases, distal points play a more important role than in chronic cases
3) in chronic cases, it is always necessary to treat any underlying condition that might
be contributing to the neck ache.

In acute cases the distal points play a primary role and they are needled with reducing
method. The main distal points to use are:
SI-3 Houxi is the main distal point to use when the pain is on the occiput and back of the
neck, along the Bladder channel. This point expels Wind and treats the upper part of the
Tai Yang channels and is especially used in acute cases.

TB-5 Waiguan is the distal point to use when the pain is on the side of the neck and it can
be used unilaterally on the affected side only.

GB-39 Xuanzhong (or Juegu) is very effective as a distal point when the pain is on both
sides of the neck and the movement of the neck from side to side is restricted. This point
should be reduced while the patient slowly moves the neck from side to side. It is very
effective in freeing the neck.

The main local points to use are:

BL-10 Tianzhu if the pain is on the occiput and is bilateral.

GB-20 Fengchi if the pain is at the base of the neck extending to the top of the shoulders.
It is especially indicated if the pain is due to Wind.

Du-16 Fengfu is indicated if the pain is due to Wind.

GB-21 Jianjing is a useful local point to use as neck ache is often associated with (or stems
from) muscle tension in the top of the shoulders (trapezius muscle).

Any local point tender on pressure can also be used, and warming the affected area along
a channel with a moxa stick is very effective. CHECK SMALL INTESTINE POINTS on
the scapula.
 20

CHRONIC
The main distal points to use in chronic cases are:
BL-60 Kunlun is the main distal point for chronic neck ache. It treats not only the neck,
but also the top of the shoulders and the upper back. It is particularly indicated, of course,
if the pain is along the Tai-Yang channels.

TB-5 Waiguan is used if the pain is unilateral on the side of the neck.

TB-8 Sanyangluo is used if the area of pain involves two or three of the Yang channels of
the arm.

P-6 Neiguan is effective in women. It treats the neck by virtue of it being the Luo point and
therefore affecting the Triple Burner channel. It is particularly effective when the neck ache
is associated with general nervous tension which causes the neck muscles to tense up.

KI-4 Dazhong can be used as a distal point by virtue of it being the Luo point and
therefore in relation with the Bladder channel. It is especially useful when the neck ache is
associated with a Kidney-deficiency.

ST-40 Fenglong is the Luo point and can be used for neck ache as a branch of the Stomach
Luo channel separates in the neck and flows to the throat.

The local points to use are obviously

the same as for acute cases. The main
difference is that it is often necessary
to use points further down the
upper back such as SI-9 Jianzhen,
SI-10 Naoshu, SI-11 Tianzong, SI-
12 Bingfeng, SI-13 Quyuan, SI-14
Jianwaishu, SI-15 Jianzhongshu and
TB-15 Tianliao.

These points should always be checked

for tenderness and needled if they are
tender. Of the above points, SI-11,
SI-13 and TB-15 are the ones that
are most frequently tender. Warming
needle or cupping are very effective
in removing pain and relaxing the
muscles.
 21

POINTS: BL-10
BL-10 Tianzhu Heavenly Pillar

Location: 1.3 cun lateral to Du-15 on the lateral aspect

of the trapezius muscles.

Name: ‘Heavenly’ refers to the fact that this point is

on the top of the body and also on a very Yang part
of the body. Thus, ‘heavenly’ indicates also its nature.
‘Pillar’ refers to this point being like a pillar holding up
the head: the pillar is also the Bladder channel which
is the most Yang of the Yang channels (Tai Yang) and
therefore ‘strong’ as a pillar.

The ‘pillar’ are the two branches of the trapezius muscles or the neck itself, or the cervical
spine which in ancient times was called Tian Zhu Gu, i.e. the bone of Heavenly Pillar.
Finally, Tian Zhu is also the name of a star in the constellation of Draco.

Intersections and nature: Window of Heaven point.

Energetics: Small Intestine and Bladder pertain to Tai Yang which opens onto the
Exterior: of the three Yang, it is the most Yang; in addition, the area on the top of the
body, like the occiput, is even more Yang in relation, for example, to the inferior part of
the Bladder channel. This has two main implications.

1) On the one hand, it means that the points in this area are Yang in nature and can
therefore be used either to tonify Yang (action 1);

2) or also to expel Yang pathogenic factors such as Wind (action 2).

3) On the other hand, being Yang and being at the top of the body, this area suffers from
rebellious Qi flowing up and points in this area can be used to subdue rebellious Qi
(action 3).

4) Being Yang in nature due to its channel polarity and position, it treats excess of Yang
causing mental problems (action 4).

5) Being situated on the hinge of the occiput and being like a gate of Yang Qi, this point
re-establishes the balance in the flow of Yang to and from the head and when there is
excess Yang above and deficient Yang below (action 5).
 22

Indications
• Action 1: inability to support the body.
• Action 2: Head Wind, epilepsy, febrile disease, stiffness of the neck.
• Action 3: dizziness, headache, stiff neck.
• Action 4: incessant talking, seeing ghosts.
• Action 5: soft legs, weak legs which cannot sustain the body.

Combinations
Febrile disease without sweat: G.B.-20 Fengchi, L.I.-1 Shangyang, T.B.-5 Waiguan, Du-15
Yamen (Jia Yi Jing)
Headache: Du-13 Taodao, BL-11 Dashu, LU-6 Kongzui, S.I.-3 Houxi (Qian Jin Yao Fang)
Dizziness: Du-23 Shangxing, G.B.-20 Fengchi (Zhen Jiu Ju Ying, 1529).
 23

POINTS: GB-20
GB-20 Fengchi Wind Pool

Location: below the occiput approximately half-way

between Du-16 and GB-12, in the hollow between the
origins of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Characteristics: point of both the Yang Qiao Mai and

Yang Wei Mai.

Name: ‘Pool’ refers to the hollow where the point is

situated that resembles a pool; it also refers to the fact
the external Wind is supposed to accumulate here before
entering the body.

Energetics: being at the top of the body, the area where this point is is frequently invaded
by external Wind. The energetics of this point is closely linked to Wind, both external and
internal but its action is inseparable from that of its being on the Yang Wei Mai.

1) Indeed, its action in expelling external Wind is by virtue of its being a point of the Yang
Wei Mai (action 1).
2) While its action of extinguishing internal Wind is by virtue of its being on the Gall
Bladder channel (action 2).
3) It is a major point on the Shao Yang channels: the Shao Yang is the hinge between Tai
Yang (the Exterior) and Yang Ming (the Interior) and therefore regulates the Exterior
and Interior (action 3).
4) It has a specific action on the eyes (action 4);
5) but also on other sense orifices (action 5).

Indications
• Action 1: Invasions of external Wind, chills and fever, warm febrile disease without
sweating.
• Action 2: Dizziness, hemiplegia, deviation of eye and mouth, lockjaw, Wind-stroke,
epilepsy.
• Action 3: Alternation of chills and fever, headache.
• Action 4: Red eyes, eye pain, blurred vision, lachrymation, night blindness, reduced
vision.
• Action 5: Rhinitis, nosebleed, nasal congestion and discharge, deafness, tinnitus,
blocked ears.
 24

POINTS: DU-16
Du-16 Fengfu Palace of Wind

Location: on the midline at the nape of the neck, in the

depression immediately below the external occipital
protuberance.

Name: the name clearly refers to both the fact that

external Wind penetrates the occiput and that this
point is used to expel Wind (both external and
internal). Alternative name is Guixue meaning
‘ghost cave’.

Intersections: Yang Wei Mai

Nature: point of the Sea of Marrow, Window of Heaven point, one of Sun Si Miao’s 13
ghost points.

Energetics:
1) This point expels external Wind (action 1);
2) and internal Wind (action 2) especially with regard to headaches.
3) This point is a gate point in the movement of Yang from the occiput towards the front
of the head; it is therefore prone to excess of Yang in this area particularly with mental
implications (action 3).
4) Controlling the movement of Yang from the occiput to the face, it can affect the throat
(action 4).
5) Similarly to BL-10, it is like a gate in the movement of Yang Qi to and from the head:
excess of Yang in the head can be accompanied by deficiency of Yang below (action 5).

Indications
• Action 1: chills and fever, aversion to cold.
• Action 2: headache, dizziness, nosebleed, upward staring eyes, hemiplegia, aphasia
after Wind-stroke.
• Action 3: mania, incessant talking, mad walking, suicidal (because of Gui).
• Action 4: aphasia after Wind-Stroke, throat pain, loss of voice Action 5: numbness and
weakness of the legs.
 25

Combinations
TB-16 Tianchuang and P-8 Laogong: throat pain (Qian Jin Yao Fang).
Ren-24 Chengjiang: loss of voice.
LI-2 Erjian and LI-20 Yingxiang: rhinitis with nosebleed.
BL-13 Feishu (because of connection between Po and Gui): mad walking with desire to
commit suicide (Qian Jin Yao Fang).
SI-5 Yanggu: mad walking (Zheng Jiu Da Cheng).
 26

POINTS: DU-15
Du-15 Yamen Door to muteness

Location: on the midline at the nape of the neck, in the

depression 0.5 cun inferior to Du-16 Fengfu below the
spinous process of the C-1.

Name: the name refers to its use in speech problems.

Intersections: Yang Wei Mai.

Nature: point of the Sea of Qi.

Energetics:
1) this point is on the Du vessel which governs all Yang energies of the body and is the
intersection of all Yang channels. For this reason it can be used to clear Heat (action 1).
2) Being at the base of the Du channel before it enters the Brain, it connects the body to
the Brain and the point has a powerful mental effect (action 2).
3) It extinguishes internal Wind (action 3);
4) and expels external Wind (action 4).
5) Since it mobilizes Yang Qi from the occiput towards the face, it is used for speech
problems (action 5).

Indications
• Action 1: all kinds of Heat patterns.
• Action 2: mania-depression.
• Action 3: headache, Wind-stroke acute stage, epilepsy, clonic spasm.
• Action 4: chills and fever without sweating.
• Action 5: aphasia, loss of voice, flaccidity of tongue, stiffness of tongue.

Combinations
LU-6 Kongzui: loss of voice.
TB-8 Sanyangluo: sudden loss of voice.
 27

POINTS: DU-17
Du-17 Naohu Brain’s door

Location: on the midline at the back of the head, 1.5

cun directly above Du-16, in the depression directly
superior to the external occipital protuberance.

Name: the name refers to the influence of this point on

the brain also because of its location roughly at the base
of the brain.

Intersections: Bladder.

Nature: point of the Sea of Marrow.

Energetics:
1) Like most of the Du points on the head, it can extinguish internal Wind (action 1).
2) While Du-15 and Du-16 control the mobilization of Yang Qi from the occiput towards
the face, Du-17 does the opposite, i.e. it controls the mobilization of Yang Qi from the
front towards the occiput; for this reason it treats congestion in the eyes (action 2).
3) Its action on the eyes is obviously also related to the Eye System (hence the movement
of Yang Qi from the face towards the brain and occiput). Being a point of the Sea of
Marrow, it also treats headaches and eye problems of a Xu nature (action 3).

Indications
• Action 1: epilepsy, chronic spasm, lockjaw.
• Action 2: eye pain, yellow eyes.
• Action 3: headache, dimness of vision, short-sightedness.

Combinations
Du-19 Naokong and BL-7 Tongtian: headache with feeling of heaviness.
 28

POINTS: DU-14
Du-14 Dazhui Big vertebra

Location: on the midline, at the base of the

neck, in the depression below the spinous
process of the 7th cervical vertebra.

Name: ‘big vertebra’ refers to the 7th

cervical below which the point is situated.

Intersections: all Yang channels.

Energetics:
1) this point is on the Du vessel which governs all Yang energies of the body and is the
intersection of all Yang channels.
2) Its connection with all the Yang energies gives it a double action, i.e. it can be used to
tonify Yang (action 1);
3) or to clear Heat (action 2).
4) Being at the base of the Du channel before it enters the Brain, it connects the body to
the Brain and the point has a powerful mental effect (action 3).
5) The Du vessel intersects internally with the Ren Mai which connects with the Heart
and this point has an action on the Heart (action 4).
6) The point has a deep effect on the Du vessel (action 5).

Indications
• Action 1: Deficiency sweating, lack of strength, inability to speak, shortness of breath.
• Action 2: Febrile disease, high fever, chills and fever.
• Action 3: Insomnia, manic-depression, crying-laughing, sadness, worry.
• Action 4: Heart pain, palpitations, insomnia.
• Action 5: Stiffness of spine, stiff neck, inability to turn head.

Combinations
P-7 Daling, P-5 Jianshi: heart pain, sadness, Aheart feels suspended (or anxious) as in a
state of hunger (Jia Yi Jing).
KI-7 Fuliu, BL-43 Gaohuangshu (moxa): spontaneous sweating (Divine Moxibustion).
P-7 Daling, P-6 Neiguan, P-3 Quze: chest pain (Zhen Jiu Da Cheng).
 29

POINTS: GB-21
Gb-21 Jian Jing Shoulder well

Location: midway between Du-14 Dazhui and the tip of

the acromion, at the crest of the trapezius muscle.

Name: ‘well’ refers to the depression in the shoulder where

the point is situated.

Intersections: Triple Burner, Stomach, Yang Wei Mai.

Energetics:
1) the most important thing about this point is that it makes Qi descend (action 1);
2) it obviously has a local action on the muscles of the shoulder (action 2);
3) it also has a tonic action (action 3); it affects the breast (action 4).

The Hui Yuan Zhen Jiu Xue says:

“G.B.-21 Jianjing is situated on a place in the shoulders where Yang Qi infuses
outwards and becomes manifest from where it then penetrates in the Five Zang,
it invigorates stagnant Blood, generates clear Yang Qi like a source, pacifying the
channels, tonifying the Five Zang and opening the Yin orifices.”

Indications
• Action 1: Cough, breathlessness, rebellious Qi, red face, leg-Qi ascending to the heart,
difficult and prolonged labour, cold arms and legs after miscarriage, prolapse rectum,
retention of placenta.
• Action 2: Stiff neck, pain in the shoulder and upper back, inability to raise arm.
• Action 3: the 5 Exhaustions (a state of exhaustion of each Yin organ), the 7 Injuries
(overeating injuring Spleen, anger injuring the Liver, physical exertion, lifting, sitting
on wet places injuring the Kidneys, catching cold and drinking cold liquids injuring
the Lungs, worry, sadness and pensiveness injuring the Heart, wind, rain and cold
injuring the body, shock and fright injuring the Mind), steaming bones, lumbar pain
from Kidney deficiency.
• Action 4: breast pain, breast abscess, breast milk not flowing.

Combinations
P-7 Daling, P-5 Jianshi: heart pain, sadness, Aheart feels suspended (or anxious) as in a
state of hunger (Jia Yi Jing)
KI-7 Fuliu, BL-43 Gaohuangshu (moxa): spontaneous sweating (Divine Moxibustion)
P-7 Daling, P-6 Neiguan, P-3 Quze: chest pain (Zhen Jiu Da Cheng)
 30

Herbal Prescriptions

PRESCRIPTION FOR OCCIPUT

Ge Gen
Wei Ling Xian
Qin Jiao
Qiang Huo
Tou Gu Cao Herba Speranskiae tuberculatae
Ji Xue Teng
Dang Gui
Sheng Di Huang
Bai Shao
Xiang Fu

HERBS FOR OCCIPUT

Liver-Qi stagnation: Mu Xiang, Chuan Xiong, Xiang Fu, Ge Gen

External Wind: Qiang Huo, Jing Jie, Fang Feng

Internal Wind: Tian Ma, Gou Teng, Bai Ji Li

Dampness: Ge Gen, Qiang Huo

Kidney deficiency: Sheng Di Huang, Du Huo, Sang Ji Sheng

 The Energetics and Treatment
of Body Areas – Occiput & Neck
The curriculum of most schools of Chinese About the author
medicine is usually broken down into the
Giovanni Maciocia, C.Ac, Visiting Professor
following topics concerning the theory of
at Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese
Chinese medicine: Physiology of the Internal
Medicine was a highly respected author,
Organs; Aetiology; Diagnosis; Patterns of
lecturer and practitioner of Chinese medicine.
disharmony of the Internal Organs. In addition,
the acupuncture curriculum is based on the Well known for his rigorous and meticulous style,
study of the channels and points. he combined a thorough knowledge of Chinese
medicine with 39-years clinical experience. While
As part of The Energetics and Treatment of Body
firmly rooted in traditional Chinese medicine,
Areas series, Maciocia turns this approach on
Giovanni’s ideas were nonetheless innovative.
its head and places areas first so that everything
He adapted the theories of Chinese medicine to
else is subordinate to that. In The Energetics and
better address Western conditions and Western
Treatment of Body Areas – Occiput & Neck,
diseases not prevalent in ancient China.
Maciocia does just that, placing the Occiput &
Neck first and each diagnostic and therapeutic His books represent important milestones in
element, relevant to the Occiput & Neck, is the development of Chinese Medicine and have
discussed together. widely contributed to its spread in the West.
Translated into several languages, they are
CONTENTS INCLUDE: used as reference texts by the most important
academic institutions of Chinese medicine and
• Anatomy by practitioners all over the world.
• Channels
• Energetic Anatomy Other related titles by Giovanni Maciocia:
• Symptoms and signs • The Energetics and Treatment
• Patterns of Body Areas – The Face
• Diseases • The Energetics and Treatment
of Body Areas – The Vertex
• Points
• The Energetics and Treatment
• Herbs of Body Areas – The Throat
• The Foundations of Chinese Medicine
• The Practice of Chinese Medicine
• Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology in
Chinese Medicine
• The Channels of Acupuncture
• The Psyche in Chinese Medicine
• Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine

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