Acupuncture
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EX-UE-10
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.1-0.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Fingers
Location
This is a group of 4 points of each hand. On the palmar side of the 2nd to the 5th fingers, at the midpoint of the transverse creases of the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP).
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen and reduces food stagnation
- Resolves Dampness
Commentary
These points are effective in tonifying the Spleen so as to improve food digestion and stagnation, especially in children. Typical symptoms include constipation, abdominal pain, intestinal parasites, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough and asthma.
It also treats childhood nutritional impairment with symptoms such as emaciation, sallow complexion, impaired digestion, withered hair, exhaustion and enlarged abdomen.
The point should be pricked to bleed, or pricked and squeezed until a yellow-white liquid appears.
Classical Sources
《奇效良方》 (Qí Xiào Liáng Fāng - Effective Formulas): First recorded this point with the technique of "三棱针刺出血" (pricking with a three-edged needle to cause bleeding).
《针灸孔穴及其疗法便览》 (Handbook of Acupuncture Points and Treatments): "四缝，奇穴……主治小儿消耗症，轻症点刺挤出血液，重症挤出黄色透明粘液" (Sifeng, an extraordinary point... treats childhood wasting disorders; in mild cases, prick to express blood; in severe cases, squeeze out yellow transparent viscous fluid. Remarkable effects are said to occur within 2-3 days after needling).
《针灸大成》 (Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng - Great Compendium of Acupuncture): Continued the bloodletting method and documented its use for childhood gan (疳) disorders.
《厘正按摩要术》 (Lí Zhèng Àn Mó Yào Shù - Corrected Essentials of Massage): Describes "四横纹穴" (Four Horizontal Lines Point) at the second finger joint crease, now confirmed as equivalent to Sifeng.
How to Locate
Locate these points on the palmar aspect of the 2nd to the 5th fingers, at the midpoint of the transverse creases of the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP). Xiaokugong EX-UE-6 is on the center PIP of the little finger dorsum. Zhongkui EX-UE-4 is on the center PIP of the middle finger dorsum.
Caution
Strict sterilization is essential due to the bloodletting technique. Contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders (hemophilia, thrombocytopenia) or those on anticoagulant therapy. The point requires pricking technique rather than retention needling. In children, proper restraint may be needed as the procedure can cause brief pain and distress. Express fluid/blood gently - excessive squeezing may cause tissue damage. Clean needle technique is critical to prevent infection at the finger joints.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.1-0.2 cun
Needling Directions
Prick to bleed.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Sharp, pricking sensation upon insertion. The technique primarily involves bloodletting rather than achieving traditional deqi. When pressed or squeezed after pricking, a yellowish-white viscous fluid may be expressed in patients with digestive disorders, particularly children with malnutrition. In healthy individuals or after successful treatment, only blood is expressed.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 10-15 minutes (indirect moxa only)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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