Taodao

1. 01On the posterior midline, below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra.
2. 02Between the spinous processes of the first and second thoracic vertebrae.
3. 03On the upper back's midline, in the hollow beneath the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra.
4. 04Note: this point lies one intervertebral space below C-7.

1. 01Needle straight in with a slight upward angle, 1 to 1.5 cun. Local distention and soreness may spread down into both shoulders.
2. 02Insert perpendicularly, 0.5 to 1 cun.
3. 03Needle obliquely in an upward direction, 0.5 to 1 cun.
4. 04Caution: the spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun below the skin surface, varying according to body type.
5. 05Moxibustion may be used.

Intersecting point with the Urinary Bladder channel

• ·Releases the Exterior
• ·Harmonizes the Shao Yang
• ·Tonifies Wei Qi
• ·Disperses Lung Qi
• ·Calms the Shen
• ·Clears Heat and Fire
• ·Addresses malaria
• ·Regulates the DU channel
• ·Dispels Wind
• ·Dispels Wind-Heat
• ·Eases the sinews

• ·Neck problems
• ·Neck spasms
• ·Neck rigidity
• ·Neck, shoulder, upper back and spine stiffness, pain and cramps
• ·Mania
• ·Muscular tetany
• ·Asthma
• ·Tidal fever
• ·Fever and chills
• ·Psychosis
• ·Heaviness in the head
• ·Infantile convulsions
• ·Clonic spasm, agitation and fullness
• ·Unhappiness
• ·Febrile diseases
• ·Malarial disorders
• ·Chronic malaria
• ·Alternating chills and fever
• ·Tuberculosis
• ·Steaming bone disorder
• ·Headache due to neck stiffness
• ·Insomnia
• ·Cough
• ·Chest pain
• ·Seizures
• ·Anhydrosis
• ·Dizziness
• ·Consumptive conditions
• ·Disorientation

• ·"Moulded" and "kiln" refer to ceramic amulets that Taoists wore to ward off the evil spirits thought responsible for fevers and other disorders.
• ·It marks the start of the spiritual ascent toward the head.
• ·It is primarily used to release the Exterior and dispel Wind-Heat.
• ·Because it clears Heat from the DU channel, this point is important in treating malaria.