Xi-Cleft Points

In clinical practice, Xi-Cleft points are selected based on which meridian or organ is affected and whether the condition is primarily a pain syndrome or a blood disorder. For acute stomach pain, practitioners might choose Liangqiu (ST-34), the Stomach meridian's Xi-Cleft point—often combined with Ren-12 (Zhongwan) to enhance effectiveness. For menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea, Diji (SP-8), the Spleen meridian's Xi-Cleft point, is a go-to choice because the Spleen governs blood.

These points can also be used diagnostically: before treatment, a practitioner might palpate relevant Xi-Cleft points to identify which meridians are most affected. Tenderness at Kongzui (LU-6) might suggest acute lung problems, while reactivity at Waiqiu (GB-36) could indicate gallbladder issues.

Xi-Cleft points are commonly combined with other point categories for enhanced effect. Pairing a Xi-Cleft point with the relevant Eight Influential Point (八会穴) is a classic strategy—for example, Kongzui (LU-6) with Geshu (BL-17, the Influential Point of Blood) for pulmonary hemorrhage.

Xi-Cleft points remain essential in modern acupuncture practice, particularly for acute musculoskeletal injuries, sudden-onset organ disorders, and bleeding conditions. They provide rapid relief for acute pain syndromes—clinical reports show effective treatment of conditions like acute gastric torsion, acute lumbar sprain, and sudden-onset neuralgia using these points.

For blood disorders, Yin meridian Xi-Cleft points are frequently employed: Kongzui (LU-6) for hemoptysis (coughing blood), Zhongdu (LR-6) for uterine bleeding, and Yinxi (HT-6) for night sweats with Heart blood deficiency. The points are often needled with reducing (dispersing) technique for excess conditions, given that acute blockages typically involve excess rather than deficiency patterns.

Modern research has explored the mechanism of Xi-Cleft points in conditions like blood stasis syndrome, with studies showing improvements in blood rheology (flow characteristics) when these points are stimulated.

Xi-Cleft Points share a common characteristic: they are locations where the qi and blood of their respective meridians gather deeply in the tissues, like water pooling in a narrow crevice. This 'accumulation' quality gives them their power—when energy flow is suddenly disrupted (as in acute conditions), these pooling points become sites where blockages can be effectively addressed.

The clinical organizing principle is straightforward: use Xi-Cleft points for acute conditions of their related meridian and organs. More specifically, Yin meridian Xi-Cleft points are especially effective for blood disorders (like bleeding or blood stagnation), while Yang meridian Xi-Cleft points excel at treating sudden, acute pain. These points also have diagnostic value—tenderness or reactivity at a Xi-Cleft point often indicates an acute problem in its corresponding organ or meridian pathway.