Guangwen Xu

Abstract
Focusing on disorders caused by dampness, this paper draws upon the Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi Neijing) and its theory of the correspondence between humans and nature: “man corresponds to heaven and earth”. By analogy with natural forces such as wind, sun, and earth acting upon dampness, the study examines the symbolic meanings and therapeutic functions of acupuncture point names, integrating classical theory with clinical practice. It summarizes ten acupuncture strategies for resolving dampness: dispelling dampness with “wind points,” drying dampness with “yang points,” draining dampness with “water points” and “spring points,” transforming dampness through “qi points” and promoting qi flow, warming yang to disperse dampness, lifting yang to aid transformation, tonifying the earth phase to overcome dampness, and strengthening the spleen and kidneys. Representative acupuncture points and clinical cases are presented to highlight the unique role of acupuncture in regulating organ qi dynamics and fluid metabolism. The study also explores the clinical applications and research potential of these ten therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Dampness treatment; Inner Canon; Acupoints; Human–Nature Correspondence

I.  “Wind Points” for Overcoming Dampness using the concept of “wind overcoming dampness,” similar to how wind dries things quickly. Needling “Wind Points” (points including “feng” in their names) can dispel wind and dampness, and relieve pain caused by wind. On the regular channels the acupoints with “Wind” in their name include: Fengchi (GB20): Wind Pool, Fengshi (GB31): Wind Market, Fengfu (GV16): Wind Mansion, Fengmen (BL12): Wind Gate, Bafeng (EX-LE10): Eight Winds, Yifeng (SJ17): Wind Screen, Bingfeng (SI12): Shoulder Wind, Hegu (LI4): Union Valley (Note: In Beiji Qianjin Yaofang  [Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold], Hegu is also referred to as “Ghost Wind Point”).

An example of this idea would be in a clinical differentiation and treatment of headaches caused by wind-damp, the points selected may include Fengchi (GB20), Fengfu (GV16), Fengmen (BL12), Bafeng (EX-LE10), Bingfeng (SI12), Hegu (LI4), Taiyang (EX-HN5) and Dazhui (GV14).

II. “Yang Points” for Warming and Dissipating Dampness. As the sun warms and dissipates dampness, needling “Yang Points” can warm the body, dispel cold, and transform dampness. 

“Yang Points” function like the sun, warming and dispersing cold and dampness. Acupuncture at “Yang Points” is akin to basking in the sun, helping to eliminate dampness from the body. The points with the character “Yang” in their names  include: Zhiyang (DU10), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Riyue (GB24), Yangbai (GB14), Guangming (GB37), Yangxi (LI5), Yangchi (SJ4), Chongyang (ST42), Fuyang (BL59), Heyang (BL58), Yangjiao (GB35), Yanggu (SI5), Huiyang (BL35), Weiyang (BL39), Yanggang (BL48), Yaoyangguang (DU3), XiYangguang (GB33), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Shangyang (LI1). These points are all located on Yang channels (e.g., Zhiyang belongs to the Governing Vessel; Riyue, Yangbai, and Yangjiao belong to the Gallbladder Channel of Foot-Shaoyang; Shangyang and Yangxi belong to the Large Intestine Channel of Hand-Yangming; Yangchi belongs to the Triple Energizer Channel of Hand-Shaoyang; Chongyang belongs to the Stomach Channel of Foot-Yangming; Yanggu belongs to the Small Intestine Channel of Hand-Taiyang; Weiyang, Fuyang, Huiyang, and Yanggang belong to the Bladder Channel of Foot-Taiyang). The Yang channels dominate Yang.

Example: A 32-year-old male patient presented with tenosynovial (ganglion) cyst in the right wrist joint, with swelling and pain lasting for six weeks. His tongue was slightly dark with a greasy coating. The syndrome was identified as dampness congealing in the tendon sheath, obstructing the channels. Acupuncture was performed at Yangchi (SJ4), Yangxi (LI5), Yanggu (SI5), Chongyang (ST42), and Hegu (LI4), combined with Lieque (LU7) and Zhongquan (PC6) to warm Yang and transform dampness. After six treatments, the swelling and pain disappeared.

III. “Water Points” (Shui Point) for Draining Dampness, points with the character “water” in their names include: Shuifen (CV9), Shuidao (ST28), Shuigou (DU26), Shuitu (ST17), Shuimen (ST27), and Shuiquan (KI5). Terms like “creek,” “sea,” “pool,” and “fluid” are also associated with water, and points such as Jie Xi (ST41), Xuehai (SP10), Haiquan (EX-HN13), Yuye (EX-HN12), Quchi (LI11), and Tai Xi (KI3) are also considered as “Water Points.”

1. For urinary retention and dysuria, apply strong stimulation by acupuncture to the acupoints Shuifen (CV9), Shuidao (ST28), Shuigou (GV26), and Taixi (KI3), and combine with Zhongji (CV3), Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), Qugu (CV2), and Pangguangshu (BL28). This is to dredge the channels and regulate the water passages of the lower jiao, so as to facilitate urination. Acupuncture at these acupoints can dredge the channels of the lower jiao, improve the blood stasis and qi stagnation in the bladder and its surrounding tissues, promote the qi transformation of the bladder, relieve the spasm of the detrusor muscle of the bladder or the sphincter muscle of the urethra, reduce the resistance of the urethra, and facilitate the excretion of urine. Clinically, 7 cases were treated, and after treatment, 4 cases achieved smooth urination and urinary retention was relieved.  

2. Lower Limb Edema, Especially Ankle Swelling and Pain: For lower limb edema, especially with swelling and pain in the ankle joint, acupuncture at Shuifen (CV9), Shuidao (ST28), Tai Xi (KI3), Shuiquan (KI5), and Jie Xi (ST41), combined with Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zusanli (ST36), and Kunlun (BL63), has shown good effects in reducing swelling and relieving pain.

IV. “Spring Points” for Draining Dampness. Similar to groundwater being discharged from a spring, “Spring Points” are points with the character “spring” (quan) in their name, which include: Yongquan (KI1), Yanglingquan (GB34), Yinlingquan (SP9), Tianquan (PC3), Zhongquan (EX-PC4), Shuiquan (KI5), Jiquan (HT1), and Ququan (LR8). Acupuncture at these points can provide an outlet for dampness, thus facilitating its drainage.

Example: A patient suffered from severe axillary bromhidrosis, with sticky and yellowish axillary sweating that stained the clothes. According to the classics, “Sweat is the fluid of the heart”, and “The Heart Channel of Hand-Shaoyin… descends and emerges from the armpit”, and “The Pericardium Channel of Hand-Jueyin…  branch follows the chest, emerges from the hypochondrium, descends three cun below the armpit, and ascends to reach the armpit” (Spiritual Pivot – The Channels). Based on syndrome differentiation, this disorder belongs to the condition of damp-heat congestion in the Shaoyin Heart Channel and the Pericardium Channel of Hand-Jueyin. Then the axillary sweat is congested in the channels under the armpit and cannot be excreted normally, resulting in a foul odor. Therefore, the main acupoints for acupuncture are Jiquan (HT1), Tianquan (PC2), Shaohai (HT3), and Tianchi (PC1), as well as Shuiquan (KI5) and Ququan (LR8), with Zusanli (ST36), Jianjing (GB21), and Quchi (LI11) as the auxiliary acupoints. By dredging the channels and collaterals and the interstices of the muscles, promoting sweating and expelling damp-heat, the axillary bromhidrosis can be eliminated. The treatment is carried out every other day, 6 times to constitute a course of treatment. Repeat the treatment after 3 to 5 months. A total of 31 patients were treated in this manner, and 7 patients completely eliminated the axillary odor  (22.6%). The axillary odor of 19 patients was significantly reduced (61.29%). (According to some research reports, after several courses of acupuncture treatment, about 30% – 50% of the patients may have a significant reduction in axillary odor. There is no statistical report found on the eradication of axillary bromhidrosis.)

V. “Qi Points” for Damp Transformation and Freeing the San Jiao. The San Jiao is the pathway for the transportation and transformation of body fluids and the ascending, descending, entering, and exiting of Qi. Freeing the San Jiao and regulating its Qi mechanism is beneficial for dampness transformation and drainage. As stated in “Treatise on Febrile Diseases”: “When Qi is transformed, so is dampness.

The points that include the character “Qi” in their names are: Qihai Shu (BL-15), Qixue (KI-13), Qichong (ST-30), Qihu (ST-13), Qishe (ST-11), and Qihai (CV-6). In addition, there are other points that regulate the Qi mechanism, such as Tanzhong (CV-17), Tianshu (ST-25), Yinjiao (CV-7), Hegu (LI-4), Zhongwan (CV-12), and Taichong (LR-3), which are also considered “Qi Points.” These points can free the San Jiao’s Qi mechanism, and facilitate dampness transformation and drainage. 

For example, obesity is often caused by stagnation of Qi in the San Jiao, leading to impaired dampness transformation and the accumulation of turbid dampness, so, acupuncture at points such as Qihai Shu (BL-15), Qixue, Qichong, Zhongwan (CV-12), and Qihai, combined with Shuidao (ST-28), Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zusanli (ST-36), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Fenglong (ST-40), can achieve good therapeutic effects.

VI. Promoting Qi Movement to Transform Dampness: This follows the adages “When Qi moves, dampness is easily transformed” and “When Qi flows, dampness is resolved”. The following points are effective for promoting Qi movement: Tanzhong (CV-17): As the meeting point of Qi, it regulates the flow of Qi and promotes smooth respiration and chest function. Zhongwan (CV-12): It regulates the functions of the spleen and stomach, promotes the movement of Qi, and alleviates bloating. Qihai (CV-6): It regulates the overall flow of Qi in the body. Tianshu (ST-25): It regulates the flow of Qi in the intestines and stomach, relieving bloating and constipation. Geshu (BL-17): It regulates the flow of Qi and promotes smooth respiration and chest function. Sanjiaoshu (BL-22): It regulates the flow of Qi in the San Jiao, promotes the movement of Qi, and helps in the drainage of water. Hegu (LI-4): It promotes the movement of Qi, resolves stagnation, and unblocks the channels. Taichong (LR-3): It soothes the liver and regulates the flow of Qi. Zusanli (ST-36): An important point for regulating the flow of Qi in the spleen and stomach and transforming dampness. Fenglong (ST-40): It resolves phlegm, promotes the movement of Qi, and regulates the functions of the spleen and stomach. Neiguan (PC-6): It promotes smooth respiration and regulates the flow of Qi in the chest and lungs. Gongsun (SP-4): It regulates the flow of Qi in the spleen and stomach and alleviates pain. Tianjing (SJ-10): It promotes the movement of Qi and resolves stagnation. Xingjian (LR-2): It soothes the liver and promotes the movement of Qi. Qimen (LR-14): It regulates the flow of Qi, promotes blood circulation, and soothes the liver to resolve stagnation. Zhongdu (LR-6): It soothes the liver, regulates the flow of Qi, and alleviates pain. These points all promote or regulate the flow of Qi. When the flow of Qi in the channels, viscera, and San Jiao is smooth, it facilitates the transformation and transportation of water and dampness, which is beneficial for treating conditions related to dampness.

VII. Warming Yang to Transform Dampness: Like heating something to dry it. As the Nei Jing says: “Yang Qi is like the sun and the sky.” Warming Yang can transform dampness, similar to how heat dries out moisture. The following points are effective for warming Yang: Mingmen (DU-4), Shenshu (BL-23), Neiguan (PC-6), Taixi (KI-3), Qihai (CV-6), Yangchi (SJ-4), Dazhui (DU-14), Guanyuan (CV-4), and Yongquan (KI-1)

For example, in clinical practice, for patients with cold-damp leukorrhea, the following points are selected: Mingmen (DU-4), Taixi (KI-3), Shenshu (BL-23), Guanyuan (CV-4), and Qihai (CV-6), combined with Zhongji (CV-3), Zigong (EX-CA-1), Ciliao (BL-32), and Zusanli (ST-36). These points help to warm Yang, dispel cold, drain dampness, and transform turbidity.

VIII. Raising the Yang to Transform Dampness: Like clothes dry more easily when hung at a higher elevation., Points that can raise the Yang include: Baihui (DU-20), Dazhui (DU-14), Suliao (DU-25). Acupuncture at Suliao (DU-25) has a bidirectional regulatory effect on blood glucose levels. In patients with shock, acupuncture at this point can increase blood glucose levels, while in diabetic patients, it can decrease blood glucose levels. It also has a blood pressure-raising effect.

For example, in cases of low blood pressure or hypoglycemia, where the syndrome is identified as phlegm-dampness obstructing the clear orifices, leading to dizziness, vertigo, and even fainting, emergency acupuncture at Baihui (DU-20), Dazhui (DU-14), and Suliao (DU-25), combined with Renzhong (DU-26), Neiguan (PC-6), and the Ten Dispersion Points (EX-UE-11) on the tips of ten fingers, can help resolve phlegm, transform dampness, open the orifices, awaken the brain, raise blood pressure, regulate blood glucose, and provide emergency treatment.

IX. Strengthening the Earth to Drive Out Dampness: This idea is based on the concept of earth controlling water at points located in areas of abundant flesh. They are selected for their ability to “strengthen the earth and control water.” These points include: Fenglong (ST-40) from the Stomach channel, Yujì (LU-10) from the Lung Channel, Biāonáo (LI-15) from the Large Intestine Channel, Huántiào (GB-30) from the Gallbladder Channel, Chéngshān (BL-57), Zhōngwǎn (CV-12), Shuǐfēn (CV-9), Dàhéng (SP-15), and Tiānshū (ST-25). Strong stimulation of these points, which are located in areas of abundant muscle, is based on the concept of strengthening the earth to control water and dampness. For example, in the treatment of obesity, strong acupuncture stimulation is applied to Biāonáo (LI-15), Fenglong (ST-40), Zhōngwǎn (CV-12), Shuǐfēn (CV-9), Dàhéng (SP-15), Tiānshū (ST-25), Chéngshān (BL-57), and Huánqiào (GB-30), combined with Yīnlíngquán (SP-9), Qūchí (LI-11), Zhīgōu (SJ-6), Zúsānlǐ (ST-36), and Dàzhuí (DU-14). The selection of these points is based on the concept of strengthening the earth to drive out dampness. Shuǐfēn (CV-9), Dàzhuí (DU-14), and Sānyīnjiāo (SP-6) promote the metabolism of body fluids and the transformation of fat, reducing fat storage in the body. Fenglong (ST-40), Huánqiào (GB-30), and Qūchí (LI-11) can clear heat and detoxify, harmonize the flow of Qi and blood, enhance blood circulation and metabolism, and help the body burn fat and expel excess heat and toxins. Dàhéng (SP-15), Zhīgōu (SJ-6), and Tiānshū (ST-25) facilitate bowel movements and promote the excretion of dampness. Zhōngwǎn (CV-12) and Zúsānlǐ (ST-36) help regulate the functions of the spleen and stomach, promote the excretion of dampness, reduce excess water and toxins in the body, and improve edema-related obesity.

X. Strengthening the Spleen and Kidney to Transform Dampness: Strengthening the spleen and kidney can invigorate the body and enhance the metabolism of water and dampness, similar to the action of “wringing out water forcefully.” This is based on the principles that “the spleen transports fluids for the stomach,” “the spleen is the source of phlegm (dampness),” and “the kidney is the organ of water.” Acupuncture points that strengthen the spleen and kidney are used to promote the transformation and transportation of water and dampness. Points for Strengthening the Body: Zúsānlǐ (ST-36), Sānyīnjiāo (SP-6), Qìhǎi (CV-6), Míngmén (DU-4), Guānyuán (CV-4), Shēnsù (BL-23), Dìjī (SP-8), Tàixī (KI-3), Bǎihuì (DU-20), Yánglíngquán (GB-34), and Yīnlíngquán (SP-9). In traditional Chinese medicine, it is well-known that points such as Zúsānlǐ (ST-36), Sānyīnjiāo (SP-6), Míngmén (DU-4), Shēnsù (BL-23), Tàixī (KI-3), Bǎihuì (DU-20), Qìhǎi (CV-6), Guānyuán (CV-4), Yánglíngquán (GB-34), and Yīnlíngquán (SP-9) are essential for regulating the yin and yang, qi and blood of the viscera, and for strengthening the constitution. They are also highly effective for strengthening the spleen and kidney and transforming dampness.

For example, Qìhǎi (CV-6) is recorded in the Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion  as being effective for treating “deficient vital energy of the viscera, insufficient true qi, and chronic qi-related diseases.” The Golden Mirror of Medicine states that Qìhǎi is “the sea of vital energy for men,” treating deficient vital energy of the viscera and insufficient true qi, as well as various qi-related diseases. Guānyuán (CV-4) is comprehensively summarized in the Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion as being effective for treating eighteen types of diseases. It is an important point for invigorating the spleen and stomach and regulating the liver and kidney. Sānyīnjiāo (SP-6) is recorded in the Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion as being effective for “weakness of the spleen and stomach,” treating over thirty types of diseases. It is a key point for regulating yin and yang, nourishing the viscera, and promoting the flow of qi and blood.

Conclusion

This article is based on the statements in the Huangdi Neijing that “humans correspond with heaven and earth” and “humans participate with heaven and earth.” It provides a brief overview of ten major acupuncture methods for treating dampness. Drawing on the natural effects of wind, yang, and earth on dampness in the natural world and the corresponding names and functions of human channels and acupuncture points. This article briefly discusses the following approaches: “wind points” for overcoming dampness, “yang points” for dispelling dampness, “water points” for promoting diuresis, “spring points” for draining dampness, “qi points” for regulating qi to transform dampness, warming yang to transform dampness, uplifting yang to transform dampness, strengthening earth to expel dampness, and tonifying the spleen and kidney to transform dampness. Relevant acupuncture points and clinical application cases are listed to demonstrate the unique advantages of acupuncture in treating dampness-related conditions. This approach follows the principles of traditional Chinese medicine for syndrome differentiation and point selection, regulating the functions of channels and viscera, and promoting fluid metabolism. It reflects the profound theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom of ancient acupuncture masters. It also showcases the unique holistic view and analogical logic of comparing the functions of human channels and points with the behavior of dampness in the natural world, providing an exquisite theoretical basis for the clinical application and research of the ten acupuncture methods for treating dampness. This article also shows that the names of acupuncture points are the crystallization of Chinese culture and TCM culture.

Author information:

Professor Xu Guangwen was born into a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. He graduated from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, holds a doctorate and is a chief physician. He is a registered traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist in the UK. He has won one provincial and ministerial science and technology progress award, one first prize for outstanding papers, and two second prizes. He also won a special contribution award from the Chinese Medical Association of the United States.