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.)

SJ-12 Xiaoluo - Relax and Joy

More Spirit Names: Dispersing Riverbed, Dispersing Brilliance, Melting Luo River

English: Dispersing Luo River
Also Known As: Melting Luo River

Location

  • On the line joining the olecranon and SJ-14 Jianliao, midway between SJ-11 Qinglengyuan and SJ-13 Naohui.
  • Midway between SJ-11 Qinglengyuan and SJ-13 Naohui, on the upper arm.
  • On the upper arm, on a line drawn between SJ-10 Tianjing and SJ-14 Jianliao, 4 cun proximal to SJ-10 Tianjing and 6 cun distal to SJ-14 Jianliao.
    Note: divide the distance between SJ-10 Tianjing and SJ-14 Jianliao in half and locate the point 1 cun distal to the midpoint or locate the depression within the triceps muscle, posterior to the shaft of the humerus (between the bellies of the long and lateral heads of the triceps).

Needling

  • Puncture perpendicularly 0.5 to 0.7 cun.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.
  • Straight insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
  • Perpendicular or oblique insertion 1 to 2 cun.

Command Functions

Actions

  • Activates the channel
  • Alleviates pain

Indications

  • Headache
  • Neck rigidity
  • Motor impairment and pain of the arm
  • Stiffness and pain of the nape and back with inability to turn the head
  • Chills and fever
  • Stiff neck
  • Toothache
  • Seizures
  • Pain of the shoulder and arm
  • Wind Bi
  • Dizziness
  • Madness

Combinations

GB-11
Touqiaoyin

Pain of the nape of the neck

Contraindications

Notes

  • One source locates this point 6 cun above the tip of the elbow.

Five Elements Spirit Perspective

Spirit of the Point

When a river's solid ice thaws and yields to fluidity, there is a release we feel, which can be expressed energetically as 'relax and joy'. It is as if someone were bathed in sunlight: warmth comes to the mind and spirit. Hold the sun in mind, and tremendous change will come to the spirit. A very comforting point for relaxing.

Worsley

Eases us into a blissful awakening to our real self.

Location: On the middle of the back of the upper arm, 5 ACI above the olecranon.
Needle depth: 5 fen
Moxa: 3-7 cones

When to Consider
  • When a person cannot relax and has little joy, busy running around seeing that everyone else is okay
  • When someone has made good progress in treatment but still finds little joy, or never makes time for it
  • When a person constantly monitors their relationships and feels imprisoned by all the 'shoulds'
  • When the body, mind and spirit need to trust and relax
  • When the energy is stuck
  • When a person needs to relax and feel comfortable in their surroundings and among the people around them
  • For someone agitated, uptight and unable to let loose or let go; it gives a great release and lifts them out of the details
  • When the person is burned out and needs a holiday, time to relax and enjoy themselves
  • When a person can't relax and enjoy themselves, especially during sex
Notes
  • A subtle point, best used later in treatment
  • Valuable in easing hypertension
  • The name used in the Worsley tradition is not a literal translation, but it captures the point's spirit. Its function is like SJ-11's, at a more spiritual level; letting go of control goes along with restoring fluids depleted by too much heat

Mentioned in 8 other entries

Conditions (7)

GoiterHangoverHearing LossNeck Pain, Stiffness and TensionNeurosis (Cardiac Neurosis)StrokeTinnitus

Points (1)

GB-11 Touqiaoyin

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