Ren Zhong acupuncture therapy is a treatment method that uses acupuncture on the Ren Zhong groove to treat various diseases in the body. The Ren Zhong groove is a pathway for the circulation of the Du Meridian, which connects to the brain, heart, kidney, and various Yang meridians. It also intersects with the Conception Vessel at the gum, connecting the Yin and Yang meridians. Therefore, the Ren Zhong groove serves as a pathway for the circulation of Qi and blood in the meridians. By needling the acupuncture points in this groove, it is possible to harmonize Yin and Yang, promote the flow of Qi and blood to the organs, and treat various systemic conditions.
[Operational Methods]
1. Localization of Acupuncture Points
The Ren Zhong groove is divided into three sections: upper, middle, and lower. Each section contains 3 acupuncture points, all located within the Ren Zhong groove. The points are named as Groove 1 to Groove 9 in sequential order from the lips upwards.
These 9 points are specific for treating diseases of the lower, middle, and upper Jiao of the body. If the disease is located more towards the left side, the acupuncture points on the left side are needled. If it is on the right side, the points on the right side are needled. For diseases of the upper part of the lower Jiao, the points in the upper section are needled, and so on. All 9 points can treat diseases of the head and face, but the lower 3 points are particularly effective. Angled needling upwards is used to treat conditions related to the head, face, spine, back, lumbar and sacral region, as well as bilateral lower limb disorders. Angled needling downwards is used to connect with the Conception Vessel and treat thoracic and abdominal symptoms.
2. Principles of Point Selection
1. Select acupuncture points corresponding to specific organs or tissues affected by the disease. For example, acupuncture point Groove 8 is used for knee pain.
2. Select acupuncture points based on the theory of visceral manifestations. For example, Groove 4 and Groove 5 are used for nausea and vomiting.
[Procedure]
Use a 26-gauge fine needle with a length of 1.7-3.3 cm (0.5-1 inch). Insert the needle quickly, initially in a straight direction, and then obliquely to the left, right, upwards, or downwards depending on the condition. For diseases on the left upper part, the needle should be angled towards the left and downwards. For chronic conditions, the needle should be retained for a longer time, while for acute conditions, it should be retained for a shorter time or not retained at all. Except for cases of stroke, where more acupuncture points are used, generally only one point is selected for treatment, with body acupuncture as a complementary method when necessary.
[Conditions Treated]
1. Syncope, acute convulsions, chronic convulsions, high fever convulsions, mania, epilepsy, restlessness, stroke, stroke-like conditions
Treated using Ren Zhong acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture points Groove 1 to Groove 3 are selected. In addition to the above conditions, it can also treat facial paralysis, numbness of the lips, toothache, tongue abscess, chest wall, shoulder and arm, and elbow-wrist pain.
2. Stomach pain, rib pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation
Treated using Ren Zhong acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture points Groove 4 to Groove 5 are selected. In addition to the above conditions, it can also treat acute lumbar sprains and pain in the lumbar-spine area.
3. Urinary retention, irregular menstruation, postpartum fainting
Treated using Ren Zhong acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture points Groove 6 to Groove 9 are selected. In addition to the above conditions, it can also treat pain in the bilateral lower limbs and ankles, as well as swelling and distension.
[Precautions]
1. The Ren Zhong groove is located near the dangerous triangle, so strict disinfection is necessary before needling to prevent infection or other accidents.
2. Because the Ren Zhong groove is rich in nerves, needling can be painful. It is important to explain this to the patient before needling, and the technique should be quick to prevent excessive stimulation.
