Chapter 6.10: The oldest of the energy-balancing points. All located on distal parts of the limbs — between fingers/toes and elbow/knee.
The Antique Points
Called by names of waterways: Well, Spring, Stream, River, and Sea. The momentum and depth of energy flow increases as points move toward the elbow or knee.
Jing-Well Point
Location: At finger/toe nail
Depth: Superficial — for sensory organ diseases
Yin element: Wood · Yang element: Metal
Ying-Spring Point
Location: Distal to MCP/MTP joint
Depth: Slightly deeper — for heat/inflammation
Yin element: Fire · Yang element: Water
Shu-Stream Point
Location: Proximal to metacarpal/metatarsal head
Depth: Medium — for joint problems
Yin element: Earth · Yang element: Wood
Jing-River Point
Location: At wrist/ankle joint
Depth: Deeper — for channel diseases
Yin element: Metal · Yang element: Fire
He-Sea Point
Location: At elbow/knee
Depth: Deepest — for organ diseases
Yin element: Water · Yang element: Earth
Using Five Element Points
Historical Note
The Antique points were used when acupuncture was mostly symptomatic. As understanding of TCM deepened, these points were used to actually influence the quantity and nature of energy. The reason they are all on distal limbs: Chinese healers treated women in the Emperor's court through a curtain — only arms and legs extended through an opening. The healers could also feel the pulses before and after treatment.
Element Cycle Interactor
Water→Wood→Fire→Earth→Metal. Energy nourishes the Son. Mother points tonify.
Fire
→ Son: Earthfireearth(Fire creates Earth (ash))
woodfire
Which antique point (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) would you use for tonification? For sedation? How does this deepen your Five Element practice?