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    Korean Acupuncture overview

    Sa-am Acupuncture Point Selection Guide

    All 12 standard tonification prescriptions from the Sa-am (사암침법) Four-Needle tradition — each one a complete Five-Element correction in just four points. Tap any point to open it in the Medi-Chi point database.

    The Five-Element Logic Behind Every Prescription

    Tonify the mother (Sheng cycle, jade) and sedate the controller (Ke cycle, dashed red) — once on the affected meridian, once on the related organ. Four needles. One correction.

    생 Tonify생 Tonify생 Tonify생 Tonify생 Tonify火FireYing-Spring土EarthShu-Stream金MetalJing-River水WaterHe-Sea木WoodJing-WellGeneration cycle (生 · Saeng) — Mother tonifies SonControl cycle (剋 · Geuk) — Controlling element sedates

    How to read each prescription

    • Tonify (보법) — needle in the direction of meridian flow, gentle rotation, slow withdrawal, close the puncture.
    • Sedate (사법) — needle against the flow, faster rotation, quick withdrawal, leave the puncture open.
    • Each formula is exactly 4 needles: 2 tonified + 2 sedated.
    • Reassess pulse mid-session; switch prescriptions as the picture evolves.

    Lung Tonification

    Metal
    Yin organ

    Fèi · 폐 · 肺

    Clinical indications

    • Chronic cough with weak voice
    • Spontaneous sweating, easy colds
    • Shortness of breath, low Wei Qi
    • Grief, melancholy, low resilience

    Caution: Avoid in acute Wind-Heat invasion; clear the exterior first.

    Tonify (보법)

    • LU9 — Tàiyuān
      Earth
      Mother (Earth) on own channel — generates Metal      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • SP3 — Tàibái
      Earth
      Earth point on Spleen (mother organ)      Depth: 0.5–0.8 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • LU10 — Yújì
      Fire
      Controller (Fire) on own channel — releases the brake      Depth: 0.5–0.8 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • HT8 — Shàofǔ
      Fire
      Fire point on Heart (controller organ)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Large Intestine Tonification

    Metal
    Yang organ

    Dàcháng · 대장 · 大腸

    Clinical indications

    • Chronic constipation with weak peristalsis
    • Atonic-type loose stools without heat
    • Lower toothache or shoulder pain on the LI line
    • Skin disorders rooted in Lung/LI deficiency

    Tonify (보법)

    • LI11 — Qūchí
      Earth
      Mother (Earth) on own channel      Depth: 1.0–1.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • ST36 — Zúsānlǐ
      Earth
      Earth point on Stomach (mother-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 1.0–2.0 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • LI5 — Yángxī
      Fire
      Controller (Fire) on own channel      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • SI5 — Yánggǔ
      Fire
      Fire point on Small Intestine (controller-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Stomach Tonification

    Earth
    Yang organ

    Wèi · 위 · 胃

    Clinical indications

    • Poor appetite, postprandial fatigue
    • Cold sensation in the epigastrium
    • Atonic gastric emptying, mild reflux
    • Generalised low energy after illness

    Tonify (보법)

    • ST41 — Jiěxī
      Fire
      Mother (Fire) on own channel      Depth: 0.5–0.8 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • SI5 — Yánggǔ
      Fire
      Fire point on Small Intestine (mother-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • ST43 — Xiàngǔ
      Wood
      Controller (Wood) on own channel      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • GB41 — Zúlínqì
      Wood
      Wood point on Gallbladder (controller-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Spleen Tonification

    Earth
    Yin organ

    Pí · 비 · 脾

    Clinical indications

    • Spleen Qi deficiency: bloating, loose stools, fatigue
    • Damp accumulation, muscle weakness, heaviness
    • Worry-driven digestive complaints
    • Easy bruising from weak Spleen-holds-Blood function

    Tonify (보법)

    • SP2 — Dàdū
      Fire
      Mother (Fire) on own channel      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • HT8 — Shàofǔ
      Fire
      Fire point on Heart (mother organ)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • SP1 — Yǐnbái
      Wood
      Controller (Wood) on own channel      Depth: 0.1 cun or prick to bleedAngle: Perpendicular or obliqueTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • LV1 — Dàdūn
      Wood
      Wood point on Liver (controller organ)      Technique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Heart Tonification

    Fire
    Yin organ

    Xīn · 심 · 心

    Clinical indications

    • Heart Qi deficiency: palpitations on exertion, low stamina
    • Mild anxiety with cold extremities
    • Insomnia from a quiet, weak Shen rather than fire
    • Chest oppression without heat signs

    Caution: Not for excess-heat patterns (red tongue, rapid forceful pulse).

    Tonify (보법)

    • HT9 — Shàochōng
      Wood
      Mother (Wood) on own channel      Depth: 0.1 cun or prick to bleedAngle: Perpendicular or obliqueTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • LV1 — Dàdūn
      Wood
      Wood point on Liver (mother organ)      Technique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • HT3 — Shǎohǎi
      Water
      Controller (Water) on own channel      Depth: 0.5–1.0 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • KI10 — Yīngǔ
      Water
      Water point on Kidney (controller organ)      Depth: 1.0–1.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Small Intestine Tonification

    Fire
    Yang organ

    Xiǎocháng · 소장 · 小腸

    Clinical indications

    • Poor separation of clear/turbid → loose stools + scanty urine
    • Shoulder/scapular ache along the SI channel
    • Dull lower-jaw or ear pain without heat
    • Mental fog secondary to digestive weakness

    Tonify (보법)

    • SI3 — Hòuxī
      Wood
      Mother (Wood) on own channel      Depth: 0.5–1.0 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • GB41 — Zúlínqì
      Wood
      Wood point on Gallbladder (mother-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • SI2 — Qiángǔ
      Water
      Controller (Water) on own channel      Depth: 0.2–0.3 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • BL66 — Zútōnggǔ
      Water
      Water point on Bladder (controller-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.2–0.3 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Bladder Tonification

    Water
    Yang organ

    Pángguāng · 방광 · 膀胱

    Clinical indications

    • Atonic bladder, urinary frequency without heat
    • Chronic lumbar weakness and cold
    • Spinal fatigue along the BL line
    • Cold-type sciatica without acute inflammation

    Tonify (보법)

    • BL67 — Zhìyīn
      Metal
      Mother (Metal) on own channel      Depth: 0.1 cun or prick to bleedAngle: Perpendicular or obliqueTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • LI1 — Shāngyáng
      Metal
      Metal point on Large Intestine (mother-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.1 cun or prick to bleedAngle: Perpendicular or obliqueTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • BL40 — Wěizhōng
      Earth
      Controller (Earth) on own channel      Depth: 1.0–1.5 cun or prick to bleedAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • ST36 — Zúsānlǐ
      Earth
      Earth point on Stomach (controller-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 1.0–2.0 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Kidney Tonification

    Water
    Yin organ

    Shèn · 신 · 腎

    Clinical indications

    • Kidney Qi/Yang deficiency: cold feet, low back ache
    • Reduced libido, early-morning fatigue
    • Tinnitus that improves with rest
    • Constitutional weakness, slow recovery

    Caution: Choose carefully in Yin-deficiency heat patterns; warming additions may aggravate.

    Tonify (보법)

    • KI7 — Fùliū
      Metal
      Mother (Metal) on own channel      Depth: 0.5–1.0 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • LU8 — Jīngqú
      Metal
      Metal point on Lung (mother organ)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • KI3 — Tàixī
      Earth
      Controller (Earth) on own channel      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • SP3 — Tàibái
      Earth
      Earth point on Spleen (controller organ)      Depth: 0.5–0.8 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Pericardium Tonification

    Fire
    Yin organ

    Xīnbāo · 심포 · 心包

    Clinical indications

    • Mild Heart-fire-protecting pattern: anxiety with vulnerability
    • Chest tightness from emotional shock
    • Insomnia with a busy mind but cold extremities
    • Recovery support after emotional trauma

    Tonify (보법)

    • PC9 — Zhōngchōng
      Wood
      Mother (Wood) on own channel      Depth: 0.1 cun or prick to bleedAngle: Perpendicular or obliqueTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • LV1 — Dàdūn
      Wood
      Wood point on Liver (mother organ)      Technique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • PC3 — Qūzé
      Water
      Controller (Water) on own channel      Depth: 0.5–1.0 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • KI10 — Yīngǔ
      Water
      Water point on Kidney (controller organ)      Depth: 1.0–1.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Triple Burner Tonification

    Fire
    Yang organ

    Sānjiāo · 삼초 · 三焦

    Clinical indications

    • Poor fluid distribution between the three jiaos
    • Temperature dysregulation, intolerance to weather change
    • Lateral head/ear ache with weakness
    • Chronic post-viral fatigue with autonomic instability

    Tonify (보법)

    • TB3 — Zhōngzhǔ
      Wood
      Mother (Wood) on own channel      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • GB41 — Zúlínqì
      Wood
      Wood point on Gallbladder (mother-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • TB2 — Yèmén
      Water
      Controller (Water) on own channel      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: Perpendicular or obliqueTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • BL66 — Zútōnggǔ
      Water
      Water point on Bladder (controller-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.2–0.3 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Gallbladder Tonification

    Wood
    Yang organ

    Dǎn · 담 · 膽

    Clinical indications

    • Decisional fatigue, timidity, poor judgement under stress
    • Chronic lateral headache without heat
    • Hip and lateral leg ache along the GB line
    • Sleep that breaks at 11pm–1am from underlying weakness

    Tonify (보법)

    • GB43 — Xiáxī
      Water
      Mother (Water) on own channel      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: Perpendicular or obliqueTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • BL66 — Zútōnggǔ
      Water
      Water point on Bladder (mother-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.2–0.3 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • GB38 — Yángfǔ
      Fire
      Controller (Fire) on own channel      Depth: 0.5–1.0 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • SI5 — Yánggǔ
      Fire
      Fire point on Small Intestine (controller-organ Yang pair)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Liver Tonification

    Wood
    Yin organ

    Gān · 간 · 肝

    Clinical indications

    • Liver Blood/Yin deficiency with brittle nails and dry eyes
    • Premenstrual fatigue rather than premenstrual heat
    • Poor stress recovery, easily startled
    • Tendons that feel weak rather than tight

    Caution: Not for Liver Yang rising (hypertensive headache, red eyes) — sedate instead.

    Tonify (보법)

    • LV8 — Qūquán
      Water
      Mother (Water) on own channel      Technique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole
    • KI10 — Yīngǔ
      Water
      Water point on Kidney (mother organ)      Depth: 1.0–1.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 20–30 min · CW rotation ×9 · slow withdrawal, close hole

    Sedate (사법)

    • LV4 — Zhōngfēng
      Metal
      Controller (Metal) on own channel      Technique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open
    • LU8 — Jīngqú
      Metal
      Metal point on Lung (controller organ)      Depth: 0.3–0.5 cunAngle: PerpendicularTechnique: Retain 10–20 sec · CCW rotation ×6 · quick withdrawal, leave hole open

    Continue exploring

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