Huatuojiaji

1. 01Located 0.5–1 cun to the side of the depressions beneath the spinous processes of the twelve thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae. Note: clinically, points 0.5–1 cun lateral to the depressions below the spinous processes of the seven cervical vertebrae are also used as supplementary Huatuojiaji points.
2. 02A set of points found roughly 0.5 to 1 cun to the side of the lower tip of the spinous processes along the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
3. 03Bilaterally along the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun off the midline, aligned with the intervertebral spaces from the first thoracic to the fifth lumbar vertebra.

1. 01Insert perpendicular-obliquely toward the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun deep.
2. 02For needling the nerve root, insert straight, angled slightly toward the spine — 1.5 cun deep at cervical and thoracic points, 2.5 cun deep at lumbar points. This produces local distention and soreness, or an electric, numb sensation radiating to the limbs or between the ribs.
3. 03For arthritis of the vertebral joints, insert obliquely into the interspinous ligament, 1 to 1.5 cun deep, producing distention and soreness radiating around the point.
4. 04Puncture perpendicularly, 0.5 to 1 cun deep in the neck and chest region, and 1 to 1.5 cun deep in the lumbar region.
5. 05Moxibustion can also be used.

Regulates and balances the five Zang and six Fu organs

• ·Points spanning T1–T4 address Lung and upper-limb disorders
• ·Points spanning T4–T7 address Heart disorders
• ·Points spanning T7–T10 address Liver and Gallbladder disorders
• ·Points spanning T10–T12 address Spleen and Stomach disorders
• ·Points spanning L1–L2 address Kidney disorders
• ·Points spanning L3–L5 address disorders of the Bladder, Large and Small Intestines, uterus, and lower limbs
• ·Points spanning C1–C7 address neck disorders
• ·Any of the points can treat herpes zoster corresponding to the affected segmental nerve level
• ·Any of the points can treat pain and stiffness of the local nerve
• ·Internal organ disorders and symptoms generally
• ·Spinal problems
• ·Disorders of adjacent tissues and the extremities, including atrophy disorder
• ·C1–C4: head region
• ·C1–C7: neck region
• ·C4–C7: upper extremities
• ·C7–T9: chest cavity
• ·T8–L5: abdominal cavity
• ·T11–L5: lumbosacral region
• ·L2–S2: lower extremities
• ·L2–S4: pelvic cavity

• ·The points take their name from the renowned physician Hua Tuo of the Han dynasty, who reportedly favored them over the Back-Shu points.
• ·They are frequently chosen as local points for back pain and are especially effective for correcting vertebral misalignment.