Sundance Acupuncture

Herb & Acupuncture Database

(This is my own personal database of teachers, teachings and notes that I use in my practice. I’ve decided to share it freely with anyone who would like to reference it.)

KI-20 Futonggu - Through the Valley

More Spirit Names: Open Valley, Freeing the Grain, Upper Gate

English:	Abdomen Connecting Valley
Also Known As:	Connecting Valley on the Abdomen

Location

On the upper abdomen, 5 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the midline.
On the abdomen, 0.5 cun lateral to REN-13 Shangwan.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1-1.5 cun.
Caution: Deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity.
Straight insertion, 0.7-1 cun.
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1 cun.
Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

Crossing point of the Chong channel.

Actions

Harmonizes the Middle Jiao
Unbinds the chest
Transforms Phlegm

Indications

Vomiting
Undigested food in the stool
Abdominal distention and pain
Diarrhea
Palpitations
Disorientation
Sudden loss of consciousness
Swelling beneath the tongue with difficulty speaking
Malaria
Stiff neck
Seizures
Indigestion
Impatience
Agalactia
Breast abscess

Fullness of the chest
Pain of the lateral costal region
Heart pain
Coughing
Dyspnea
Epilepsy
Protrusion of the tongue
Deviation of the mouth
Inability to turn the neck
Redness of the eyes, originating at the inner canthus
Intercostal neuralgia
Jaundice
Headaches
Vomiting during pregnancy

Combinations

LI-4 Hegu UB-12 Fengmen DU-24 Shenting UB-2 Zanzhu LI-20 Yingxiang UB-67 Zhiyin
Rhinitis with clear nasal discharge.

Contraindications

Notes

This point is often used in combination with KI-21 Youmen to treat lonely, suicidal people. They are said to bathe the Spirit in the purest water and to clear toxins from the body.

Five Elements Spirit Perspective

Spirit of the Point	This point concerns the spirit more than the body or mind. Valleys tend to be peaceful, soft places, fertile and sheltered, with food and a source of water. It brings tranquility, a feeling of protection and a safe haven. Water in the valley works as a channel of cleansing that carries waste away, much as Meridian Gutter does on the Lung meridian. And the Kidney, the deepest and most Yin of the Officials, gives us strength to face the darkness, to confront it and go into it. This valley carries us through our fears and comforts us. Guide the patient through the valley and on up the mountains, from where a wider view can be gained; down on the valley floor the view is closed. Letting go of something old means passing through a dark passage where nothing is clear and risking unfamiliar ground; sometimes we must go through a dark phase before coming out into the light, letting go of the old to see hope in the new. It brings vital essence and bathes the person in purity.
Worsley	Gives us a powerful means of resolving resistance. Just as water descending from the mountain heights carves valleys from stone in its determination to flow freely, we too can live freely, carving our unique path through life with focus, determination, grace and power. Location: 1½ ACI from the abdominal midline and 5 ACI above the umbilicus level, beside REN-13. Needle depth: 5 fen Moxa: 7-10 cones
When to Consider	When a person needs help through their fears and needs comfort When someone needs tranquility, protection and a safe haven When strength is needed to confront and penetrate darkness When waste products need to be taken away from the mind and spirit When trust in life needs renewing When a person needs to let go of fears and find the courage to risk new things For someone caught in fear or facing their death, walking through the valley of the shadow of death When the person has spent a dark, difficult or lonely time for too long, with little hope or light, and needs help getting out, perhaps even suicidal During the dark night of the soul, to help the patient move out of the darkness When the person is stuck at the bottom of the valley and cannot see further ahead
Combinations	KI-21 Dark Gate (first) with KI-20: for grief
Notes	Meeting point of the Chong Mai with the Kidney meridian From this valley one goes on through the Dark Gate

From Class

KI-20 Futonggu (Connecting Valley): Kidneys, Spleen and Lung work together to strengthen trust in the unseen; yang rises; purpose and belonging beyond survival or ambition. (Lewis)

For educational reference only; not a substitute for care from a qualified practitioner.