The Ancient 9 Needle Techniques (Nei Jing Internal Classic)
- Shu Point Needling (Shu Puncture)
Used for disorders of the Five Solid Zang (Yin Organs)
Needle the Ying-Spring points and the Shu-Stream points
(Shu-Stream Points are also the Yuan-Source points on the Yin Meridians).
Example: LIV-02 and LIV-03
- Distal Needling (Distant Puncture)
Used for disorders of Six Hollow Fu (Yang Organs)
Needle lower points to treat upper disorders. Because the Fu Organs have a corresponding Lower He-Sea point in the lower part of the body, the Lower He-Sea points can treat disorders of the Fu (Yang) organs located in the upper part of the body.
In general, disorders of the face, head, upper limbs, and trunk can be treated by points below the knees, and are said to be lower distal points treating upper disorders.
- Meridian Needling (Ashi Puncture)
Used for disorders along the Channels
(For example: Needle the Large Intestine Channel for Tennis Elbow)
Needle along the major channels where affected (usually by Qi and Blood Stagnation)
In clinical practice, we can use two channels:
For example, in a medial meniscus tear, where the Stomach channel is on both sides and the Spleen Channel travels through, needle SP-09 and ST-36. For sciatic pain pain running down the calf, needle BL-54 and GB-30.
- Collateral Needing (Small Blood Vessel Puncture)
Used to eliminate Blood Stagnation and treat collateral disorders
Needle the small (subcutaneous) Blood Vessels to cause a small amount of bleeding. This is usually used to prevent early degeneration, and to treat heat and excess.
"A healthy person should not see many blood vessels. If so, they should be symmetrical."
- Cleft Needling (Crack or Parting Puncture)
Used to treat muscular pain, Bi syndromes, or injury
Needle the space in between two muscles to reach the fascia (needle into the patients pain)
For example: Shin splints, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, adhesions
- Evacuation Needling (Draining Puncture)
Used to drain pus, other fluids, and cause a small amount of bleeding
Use a sword (big and sharp) needle to puncture the affected area.
Use with caution in deficient patients
- Shallow Needling (Hair Puncture)
Used for treating superficial disorders
Puncture the skin superficially with ear tacks, dermal needles, 7-Star needles, or Superficial Threading
For superficial floating Skin Bi (Wind and itching) syndromes, Vessel Bi (Vascular problems), Bone Bi (Osteoarthritis), Tendon Bi, and Muscle Bi
- Contra-Lateral Needing (Great Puncture)
Use points on the right side to treat the affected side on the left, and vice-versa
For example: For frozen shoulder, use LI-15, SI-9 or 10 on the unaffected side
Master Tong's Points are highly recommended when practicing contra-lateral needling
- Heat Needling (fire Puncture)
Use for Bi Syndromes (Rheumatoid Arthritis (later stages are more cold), Gout, For Damp-Cold Bi Pain, and Yin-Ulcers)
Needle using a red hot Acupuncture needle
