Eight Influential Points
The Eight Influential Points (Ba Hui Xue) are eight specific acupoints where the essential Qi of the body's eight fundamental tissues and systems—Zang organs, Fu organs, Qi, Blood, sinews, vessels, bones, and marrow—converge. First documented in the Nan Jing, these points have powerful systemic effects on their corresponding tissue types.
Bā Huì Xué
Eight Influential Points
Educational content · Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Overview
The Eight Influential Points (八会穴, Bā Huì Xué) represent one of the most clinically valuable point categories in acupuncture. These eight special acupoints are where the essential Qi of eight fundamental body tissues and systems—the Zang organs, Fu organs, Qi, Blood, sinews (tendons and muscles), vessels, bones, and marrow—converge and concentrate.
Think of these points as "master switches" for entire body systems. Rather than treating local symptoms, each Influential Point has the remarkable ability to affect its corresponding tissue type anywhere in the body. For example, the Sinew Influential Point can help with muscle, tendon, or ligament problems whether the issue is in the neck, back, or legs.
This organizing principle makes the Eight Influential Points extremely practical for practitioners, allowing them to address systemic conditions with minimal needle insertion while maximizing therapeutic effect.
Historical Context
The Eight Influential Points were first systematically documented in Chapter 45 of the Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), compiled during the first or second century CE. This text is considered one of the four foundational classics of Chinese medicine, and its introduction of this point category represents a significant theoretical contribution to acupuncture.
Throughout subsequent dynasties, medical scholars expanded upon this foundation. The famous acupuncture verse "脏会章门腑中脘" (Zang meet at Zhangmen, Fu at Zhongwan...) became a standard mnemonic taught to practitioners. Yang Jizhou's Ming Dynasty masterwork Zhen Jiu Da Cheng further elaborated clinical applications, cementing these points' importance in acupuncture education and practice.
Modern research has validated many traditional applications. For example, studies have shown that needling BL-11 Dazhu can influence blood calcium levels, supporting its traditional use for bone disorders.
Comparison
Zang Meeting (Zang Hui)
脏会章门Point: Zhangmen LR-13
Tissue: Five Zang (Yin) Organs
Key Indications: Chronic organ diseases, Liver-Spleen disharmony, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly
Note: Also the Front-Mu point of the Spleen, explaining why 'all five Zang are governed by the Spleen'
Fu Meeting (Fu Hui)
腑会中脘Point: Zhongwan CV-12
Tissue: Six Fu (Yang) Organs
Key Indications: Digestive disorders, chronic stomach and intestinal problems, post-surgical hiccup
Note: Also the Front-Mu point of the Stomach, explaining why 'all six Fu are governed by the Stomach'
Qi Meeting (Qi Hui)
气会膻中Point: Shanzhong CV-17
Tissue: Qi (vital energy)
Key Indications: Chest oppression, shortness of breath, asthma, hiccup, anxiety, insufficient lactation
Note: Located at the 'Sea of Qi' where ancestral Qi (Zong Qi) gathers
Blood Meeting (Xue Hui)
血会膈俞Point: Geshu BL-17
Tissue: Blood
Key Indications: All bleeding disorders, anemia, blood stasis, skin diseases related to blood
Note: The Back-Shu point of the diaphragm; located at the level where blood circulates to and from the heart
Sinew Meeting (Jin Hui)
筋会阳陵泉Point: Yanglingquan GB-34
Tissue: Sinews (muscles, tendons, ligaments)
Key Indications: Any musculoskeletal condition, strains, sprains, stiffness, paralysis, sciatica
Note: Also the He-Sea point of the Gallbladder channel; the Gallbladder governs sinews in Five Element theory
Vessel Meeting (Mai Hui)
脉会太渊Point: Taiyuan LU-9
Tissue: Blood vessels (Mai)
Key Indications: Circulatory problems, weak pulse, vessel disorders, chest blood stasis
Note: Also the Yuan-Source point of the Lung; the pulse is most commonly felt here for diagnosis
Bone Meeting (Gu Hui)
骨会大杼Point: Dazhu BL-11
Tissue: Bones
Key Indications: Bone disorders, osteoporosis, bone pain, cervical problems, spinal stiffness
Note: Meeting point of the Bladder with other yang channels; research shows it influences blood calcium levels
Marrow Meeting (Sui Hui)
髓会悬钟Point: Xuanzhong GB-39
Tissue: Marrow (including bone marrow and brain/spinal cord in TCM understanding)
Key Indications: Stroke recovery, dementia, neck stiffness, paralysis, bone marrow deficiency
Note: Also called Juegu (Severed Bone); the brain is considered 'Sea of Marrow' in TCM
Hui (Meeting/Gathering)
会The character 'Hui' (会) means to meet, gather, or converge. In the context of these points, it signifies that the essential Qi (Jing Qi) of each tissue type concentrates at these specific locations. This makes them powerful therapeutic points for affecting their corresponding systems throughout the entire body.
Systemic Effect
全身作用Unlike most acupoints that have primarily local or channel-specific effects, the Eight Influential Points have a broad, systemic influence on their corresponding tissue type. For instance, GB-34 can treat muscle and tendon problems anywhere in the body, not just along the Gallbladder channel.
Heat Disease Application
热病在内取会穴The original Nan Jing text specifically recommends using these points for 'heat diseases affecting the interior.' This suggests their particular effectiveness for conditions where pathogenic heat has penetrated to affect internal organ systems and tissues.
Chronic Condition Specialty
治疗慢性病In clinical practice, the Eight Influential Points are particularly valued for treating chronic and systemic conditions. While acute problems may require local treatment, long-standing disorders affecting entire tissue systems respond well to these gathering points.
Practical Application
Clinical Selection Guidelines: When treating conditions affecting specific tissue types, always consider adding the relevant Influential Point to your prescription. For blood disorders (anemia, bleeding, blood stasis), include BL-17 Geshu. For bone diseases (osteoporosis, fractures, arthritis affecting bone), use BL-11 Dazhu. For muscle and tendon problems (strains, stiffness, weakness), select GB-34 Yanglingquan.
Combination Strategies: The Eight Influential Points work excellently as part of larger prescriptions. A common approach is pairing the Influential Point with local points near the affected area and points along the relevant channel. For example, treating frozen shoulder might combine GB-34 (Sinew Influential) with local shoulder points like LI-15 and SI-9.
Hui-Xi Combination: A powerful clinical technique combines an Influential Point with a Xi-Cleft point for treating painful conditions. For example, GB-34 (Sinew Influential) with GB-36 (Gallbladder Xi-Cleft) creates a potent prescription for acute musculoskeletal pain.
Clinical Relevance
Common Clinical Applications:
- BL-17 Geshu (Blood): Any bleeding disorder, anemia, blood stasis conditions, chronic skin diseases related to blood, menstrual irregularities
- CV-17 Shanzhong (Qi): Chest oppression, asthma, shortness of breath, hiccup, anxiety, insufficient lactation
- GB-34 Yanglingquan (Sinews): Any muscle strain or sprain, tendonitis, stiff joints, hemiplegia, sciatica
- GB-39 Xuanzhong (Marrow): Stroke rehabilitation, dementia, neck stiffness, certain types of paralysis, bone marrow disorders
- LR-13 Zhangmen (Zang): Chronic hepatitis, splenomegaly, digestive disorders with Liver-Spleen disharmony
- CV-12 Zhongwan (Fu): Chronic gastritis, digestive disorders, post-surgical hiccup, nausea and vomiting
The Eight Influential Points are particularly effective for chronic conditions and systemic diseases affecting multiple areas of the body.
Common Misconceptions
Confusion with Eight Confluent Points: The Eight Influential Points (Ba Hui Xue, 八会穴) are frequently confused with the Eight Confluent Points (Ba Mai Jiao Hui Xue, 八脉交会穴). These are completely different point categories. The Confluent Points connect the twelve main meridians with the eight extraordinary vessels, while the Influential Points relate to body tissues and organ systems.
Limited to Heat Diseases: While the original Nan Jing text recommends these points for 'heat diseases affecting the interior,' clinical practice has shown they are effective for a much broader range of conditions including cold patterns, deficiency syndromes, and chronic diseases.
Standalone Treatment: Some practitioners mistakenly believe that using an Influential Point alone is sufficient for treating complex conditions. In practice, these points work best as part of a comprehensive prescription that includes local and distal points based on pattern differentiation.
Organizing Principle
The Eight Influential Points are organized around the concept that the essential Qi (Jing Qi) of eight fundamental body components—Zang organs, Fu organs, Qi, Blood, sinews, vessels, bones, and marrow—each has a specific location where it gathers and concentrates. Needling these gathering points allows practitioners to influence the corresponding tissue system throughout the entire body.
Clinical Selection Logic: When a patient presents with a condition affecting a specific tissue type, the corresponding Influential Point should be considered. For example, any blood-related pathology (bleeding, stasis, deficiency) suggests including BL-17 Geshu; any tendon/muscle problem warrants GB-34 Yanglingquan. This organizing principle provides a simple yet powerful framework for point selection.
Anatomical Distribution: The eight points spread across the torso and lower limbs. Four points are on the torso (three on the front, one on the back), and four are on the legs. This distribution across yin and yang regions of the body reflects the comprehensive nature of their influence.
Points in this Category
Zhangmen
Zang (Yin Organ) Influential Point - Treats chronic disorders of the five Yin organs, especially Liver and Spleen; also the Front-Mu point of the Spleen
Zhongwan
Fu (Yang Organ) Influential Point - Treats disorders of the six Fu organs, especially Stomach and intestines; also the Front-Mu point of the Stomach
Shanzhong
Qi Influential Point - Treats all Qi disorders including chest fullness, shortness of breath, hiccup, asthma; also the Front-Mu of the Pericardium
Geshu
Blood Influential Point - Treats all blood disorders including bleeding, anemia, and blood stasis; key point for activating blood circulation
Yanglingquan
Sinew Influential Point - Treats all disorders of muscles, tendons, and ligaments anywhere in the body; the classic point for musculoskeletal conditions
Taiyuan
Vessel (Mai) Influential Point - Treats vessel disorders, stimulates circulation; also the Yuan-Source point of the Lung channel
Dazhu
Bone Influential Point - Treats bone disorders including osteoporosis and bone pain; also a meeting point of the Bladder channel with other yang channels
Xuanzhong
Marrow Influential Point - Treats marrow and brain disorders including dementia, stroke recovery, and certain blood production issues; also called Juegu (Severed Bone)
Classical Sources
Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties)
Chapter 45 (Forty-fifth Difficult Issue)經言八會者，何也？然，府會太倉（中脘）、藏會季脅（章門）、筋會陽陵泉、髓會絕骨、血會膈俞、骨會大杼、脈會太渊、氣會三焦外一筋直兩乳內也（膻中）。熱病在內者，取其會之氣穴也。
The classic speaks of the 'eight gatherings/meetings' - what does this mean? Fu organs gather at Zhongwan, Zang organs gather at Zhangmen, sinews gather at Yanglingquan, marrow gathers at Xuanzhong, blood gathers at Geshu, bones gather at Dazhu, vessels gather at Taiyuan, and Qi gathers at Shanzhong. For heat diseases affecting the interior, select the gathering point of the affected [tissue].
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion)
Various chapters on point indications八会穴歌：脏会章门腑中脘，气会膻中血膈俞，筋会阳陵脉太渊，骨会大杼髓绝骨。
Eight Influential Points Song: Zang organs meet at Zhangmen, Fu organs at Zhongwan; Qi meets at Shanzhong, Blood at Geshu; Sinews meet at Yanglingquan, Vessels at Taiyuan; Bones meet at Dazhu, Marrow at Xuanzhong.
Modern References
Nan Jing: The Classic of Difficult Issues
Definitive scholarly translation with extensive commentary on the original source of the Eight Influential Points
Practice of Acupuncture: Point Location – Techniques – Treatment Options
Comprehensive clinical reference distinguishing Ba Hui Xue (Eight Meeting/Tissue Points) from Ba Mai Jiao Hui Xue (Eight Confluent Points)
A Manual of Acupuncture
Standard clinical reference with detailed point locations and indications for all eight points