Yuan Points

Yuan-Luo Pairing (原络配穴法): The most classic application combines a Yuan Point with the Luo-Connecting Point of its paired meridian. When treating a condition, you first identify which meridian was affected first (the "host") and take its Yuan Point, then add the Luo Point of the paired meridian (the "guest"). For example, if the Lung meridian is primarily affected with secondary Large Intestine symptoms, use Taiyuan LU-9 (Lung Yuan) with Pianli LI-6 (Large Intestine Luo).

Yuan-Shu Back Point Pairing (原俞配穴法): Combining a Yuan Point with its corresponding Back-Shu Point creates a powerful treatment for organ disorders, especially for Yin-type conditions (interior, deficient, or cold patterns). For example, Taixi KI-3 paired with Shenshu BL-23 effectively treats kidney deficiency.

The Four Gates (四关): Hegu LI-4 and Taichong LR-3—the Yuan Points of the Large Intestine and Liver meridians—together form the famous "Four Gates" combination. This pairing calms the spirit, moves qi and blood, and treats conditions ranging from headaches and dizziness to emotional disturbance and high blood pressure.

Diagnostic Palpation: Practitioners can assess tenderness, swelling, or texture changes at Yuan Points to help diagnose which organs are affected. A painful or sensitive Yuan Point often indicates dysfunction in the corresponding organ system.

Yuan Points are among the most clinically important acupuncture points because they directly access the original qi of each organ system. Modern literature review found that Yuan Points, particularly Shenmen HT-7 and Daling PC-7, are frequently used in cardiovascular disease treatment. Research has demonstrated measurable changes in electrical resistance at Yuan Points during various health conditions.

The diagnostic function of Yuan Points allows practitioners to palpate them for tenderness, texture changes, or abnormal sensations that reflect internal organ dysfunction. When an organ is diseased, it often manifests at its corresponding Yuan Point—this makes them valuable both for assessment and treatment. Their bidirectional regulatory effect means practitioners can safely use them without worrying about over-tonifying or over-sedating, making them particularly suitable for patients new to acupuncture or those with complex, mixed patterns.

The twelve Yuan Points are organized around the principle that each of the twelve primary meridians has one specific location where Yuan Qi (original energy) surfaces and gathers. These points are distributed symmetrically: all are located on the extremities, near the wrist joints on the arms and near the ankle joints on the legs—never above the elbows or knees. This distal location is significant because the extremities are where internal organ energy becomes most accessible.

The relationship between Yuan Points and the Five Shu Points creates an elegant system: on Yin meridians, the Yuan Point is identical to the Shu-Stream Point (the third of the Five Shu Points), reflecting the principle "Yin meridians use the Shu as their Yuan." On Yang meridians, the Yuan Point is a separate point located just proximal to the Shu-Stream Point. This structural difference reflects how Yin and Yang meridians handle the body's original energy differently.