Five Gates and Ten Transformations Acupuncture 五门十变

The Five Gates and Ten Transformations acupuncture secret art was transmitted by the Taiwanese acupuncture master Dr Zhou Zuoyu.

Look at the diagram below: first, it is derived from transformations of the Twelve Channels Heavenly-Stems Song. For example, the first corresponds to the Gall Bladder channel; the root point of the Gall Bladder channel is GB41 Zulinqi; the following follow the same pattern.

Another transformation is that Jia and Ji combine and transform into the attribute of Earth; the following are also inferred in the same way, such as Yi and Geng combining and transforming into the attribute of Metal.

The Five Gates and Ten Transformations method of point combination has two modes of application: one is the Transformational Combination Treatment Method, and the other is the Mutual Combination Treatment Method. Here, the more commonly used Transformational Combination Treatment Method is introduced first.

Rules for Point Combination in the Five Gates and Ten Transformations (Transformational Combination)

Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth

Gall Bladder channel (Jia) points are used together with Spleen channel (Ji) points for treatment; this strengthens the body’s Earth quality.

Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal

Liver channel (Yi) points are used together with Large Intestine channel (Geng) points for treatment; this strengthens the body’s Metal quality.

Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water

Small Intestine channel (Bing) points are used together with Lung channel (Xin) points for treatment; this strengthens the body’s Water quality.

Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood

Heart channel (Ding) points are used together with Bladder channel (Ren) points for treatment; this strengthens the body’s Wood quality.

Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire

Stomach channel (Wu) points are used together with Kidney channel (Gui) points for treatment; this strengthens the body’s Fire quality.

The Basic Theoretical Principles Behind Point Combination in the Five Gates and Ten Transformations (Transformational Combination)

The Hetu is the source of Chinese Yi principles and numerological arts; it later evolved into the Later Heaven Eight Trigrams. On this diagram, the North is Heaven and belongs to 1; the South is Earth and belongs to 2; the East is Yang and belongs to 3; the West is Yin and belongs to 4; the centre is the central axis and belongs to 5.

Within it is the principle of mutual generation of Yin and Yang: 5+1=6 belongs to the North, 5+2=7 belongs to the South, 5+3=8 belongs to the East, 5+4=9 belongs to the West, 5+5=10 belongs to the centre.

In the Yijing, the numbers 1 to 5 are numbers of initial generation, called the generating numbers (sheng shu), representing Yin; the numbers 6 to 10 are accumulated from the generating numbers, called the completing numbers (cheng shu), representing Yang. Therefore, the Hetu represents Yin governing the interior and Yang governing the exterior. One odd and one even further represent one Yang and one Yin, indicating the union of Yin and Yang virtues.

Five-Element scholars assign the numbers 1 to 10 to the Five Elements, calling them one–six Water, two–seven Fire, three–eight Wood, four–nine Metal, five–ten Earth, and recite them as: Heaven one gives birth to Water, Earth six completes it; Earth two gives birth to Fire, Heaven seven completes it; Heaven three gives birth to Wood, Earth eight completes it; Earth four gives birth to Metal, Heaven nine completes it; Heaven five gives birth to Earth, Earth ten completes it.

Because Water resides in the North, Fire in the South, Wood in the East, Metal in the West, and Earth in the centre, it further becomes North Water, South Fire, East Wood, West Metal, Centre Earth. The East: Jia and Yi, eight and three, Wood; the South: Bing and Ding, seven and two, Fire; the West: Geng and Xin, nine and four, Metal; the North: Ren and Gui, six and one, Water; the centre: Wu and Ji, fifteen, Earth.

In fact, the Hetu is a number sequence formed by adding 1 to 5; the Luoshu is a mathematical magic square arranged from 1 to 9 such that the sum of numbers in every vertical, horizontal, and diagonal direction is 15; this is the earliest mathematical magic square in the world.

Matching the Heavenly Stems with the Zang–Fu

First, the ten Heavenly Stems can be divided into two major classes: those with an odd order—Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren—are Yang stems. Those with an even order—Yi, Ding, Ji, Xin, Gui—are Yin stems.

They can further be divided into five classes of different natures (the Five Elements). According to the mutual generation sequence beginning with Wood—[Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood]—their Five-Element attributions are determined as follows:

Jia and Yi belong to Wood; further divided into Yin and Yang: Jia is Yang Wood, Yi is Yin Wood.

Bing and Ding belong to Fire; further divided into Yin and Yang: Bing is Yang Fire, Ding is Yin Fire.

Wu and Ji belong to Earth; further divided into Yin and Yang: Wu is Yang Earth, Ji is Yin Earth.

Geng and Xin belong to Metal; further divided into Yin and Yang: Geng is Yang Metal, Xin is Yin Metal.

Ren and Gui belong to Water; further divided into Yin and Yang: Ren is Yang Water Gui is Yin Water.

Among the Five Elements there are relationships of mutual interaction: Mutual generation: Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood, Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal. Mutual restraint: Metal restrains Wood, Wood restrains Earth, Earth restrains Water, Water restrains Fire, Fire restrains Metal.

In ancient China, the properties of the body’s zang–fu were described using the ten Heavenly Stems as ten different symbolic natures. According to the matching of Heavenly Stems with zang–fu, they are: Jia (Gall Bladder), Yi (Liver), Bing (Small Intestine), Ding (Heart), Wu (Stomach), Yi (Spleen), Geng (Large Intestine), Xin (Lung), Ren (Bladder), Gui (Kidney). Therefore, in ancient Chinese classification, the Kidney belongs to Water, and it belongs to Yin Water.

The theory of Heavenly-Stem combination and transformation

According to the numbers of the Hetu, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are generating numbers; 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are completing numbers, also called the Five-Element generating-and-completing numbers. Therefore, among the Heavenly Stems, the Yang stems and Yin stems, in sequence, combine with those five positions apart.

One, two, three, four, five are generating numbers and are Yang; six, seven, eight, nine, ten are completing numbers and are Yin. One gives birth to Water; two gives birth to Fire; three gives birth to Wood; four gives birth to Metal; five gives birth to Earth. One, two, three, four, five are Yang; Yang governs energy; Earth is the medium. Therefore one plus five equals six; six is Water’s completing number, substantive Water. Seven is substantive Fire. Eight is substantive Wood. Nine is substantive Metal. Ten is substantive Earth.

From the above it is known: one–six combine as Water, two–seven combine as Fire, three–eight combine as Wood, four–nine combine as Metal, five–ten combine as Earth. Heaven one gives birth to Water, Earth six completes it, therefore Jia combines with Yi; Earth two gives birth to Fire, Heaven seven completes it, therefore Yi combines with Geng; Heaven three gives birth to Wood, Earth eight completes it, therefore Bing combines with Xin; Earth four gives birth to Metal, Heaven nine completes it, therefore Ding combines with Ren; Heaven five gives birth to Earth, Earth nine completes it, therefore Wu combines with Gui.

The phenomenon of combination also has physical metaphorical meaning. For example: Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth: Jia is Yang Wood, like the wood of a great tree; Ji is damp Earth, like the earth of fields and gardens. Wood obtains the water within Ji Earth and grows; yet when the water is exhausted the wood withers—this is transformation into Earth; this is a natural phenomenon.

Clinical Applications of the Five Gates and Ten Transformations

Point combination for Lung channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Lung channel: use the Gall Bladder channel root point GB41Zulinqi, and the Spleen channel root point SP3 Taibai.

Principle explanation

The Lung channel’s Heavenly Stem is Xin; its Five-Element attribution is Metal. Earth is the mother of Metal; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Earth can generate Metal. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth, therefore one can use the Jia channel (Gall Bladder channel) root point, the Shu-wood point GB41 Zulinqi, to treat Lung channel deficiency patterns, and combine it with the Ji channel (Spleen channel) root point, the Shu-earth point SP3 Taibai, to treat Lung channel deficiency patterns. In summary, treatment of Lung deficiency patterns can adopt the method of tonify with Earth, Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth.

Point combination method for Lung channel excess patterns

Drain the Lung channel: use the Small Intestine channel root point SI 5 Yanggu, and the Lung channel root point LU8 Jingqu.

Principle explanation

The Lung channel’s Heavenly Stem is Xin; its Five-Element attribution is Metal. Water is the child of Metal; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Water can drain Metal. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water, therefore one can use the Bing channel (Small Intestine channel) root point, the Jing-fire point SI 5 Yanggu, to treat Lung channel excess patterns, and combine it with the Xin channel (Lung channel) root point, the Jing-metal point LU8 Jingqu, to treat Lung channel excess patterns. In summary, treatment of Lung excess patterns can adopt the method of drain with Water, Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water.

Point combination for Large Intestine channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Large Intestine channel: use the Gall Bladder channel root point GB41 Zulinqi, and the Spleen channel root point SP3 Taibai.

Principle explanation

The Large Intestine channel’s Heavenly Stem is Geng; its Five-Element attribution is Metal. Earth is the mother of Metal; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Earth can generate Metal. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth, therefore one can use the Jia channel (Gall Bladder channel) root point, the Shu-wood point GB41 Zulinqi, to treat Large Intestine channel deficiency patterns, and combine it with the Ji channel (Spleen channel) root point, the Shu-earth point SP3 Taibai, to treat Large Intestine channel deficiency patterns. In summary, treatment of Large Intestine deficiency patterns can adopt the method of tonify with Earth, Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth.

Point combination for Large Intestine channel excess patterns

Drain the Large Intestine channel: use the Small Intestine channel root point SI 5 Yanggu, and the Lung channel root point LU8 Jingqu.

Principle explanation

The Large Intestine channel’s Heavenly Stem is Xin, its Five-Element attribution is Metal. Water is the child of Metal; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Water can drain Metal. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water, therefore one can use the Bing channel (Small Intestine channel) root point, the Jing-fire point SI5 Yanggu, to treat Large Intestine channel excess patterns, and combine it with the Xin channel (Lung channel) root point, the Jing-metal point LU8 Jingqu, to treat Large Intestine channel excess patterns. In summary, treatment of Large Intestine excess patterns can adopt the method of drain with Water, Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water.

Point combination for Stomach channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Stomach channel: use the Stomach channel root point ST36 Zusanli, and the Kidney channel root point KI 10 Yingu.

Principle explanation

The Stomach channel’s Heavenly Stem is Wu; its Five-Element attribution is Earth. Fire is the mother of Earth; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Fire can generate Earth. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire, therefore one can use the Wu channel (Stomach channel) root point, the He-earth point ST36 Zusanli, to treat Stomach channel deficiency patterns, and combine it with the Gui channel (Kidney channel) root point, the He-water point KI 10 Yingu, to treat Stomach channel deficiency patterns. In summary, treatment of Stomach deficiency patterns can adopt the method of tonify with Fire, Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire.

Point combination for Stomach channel excess patterns

Drain the Stomach channel: use the Liver channel LR2 Xingjian point (according to the theory to drain a Jing-well, drain a Ying-spring, therefore changed from the channel’s root point Dadun to the Ying point LR2 Xingjian, and the Large Intestine channel LI 2 Erjian (according to the theory to drain a Jing-well, drain a Ying-spring, therefore changed from the channel’s root point Shangyang to the Ying point LI 2 Erjian.

Principle explanation

The Stomach channel’s Heavenly Stem is Wu; its Five-Element attribution is Earth. Metal is the child of Earth; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Metal can drain Earth. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal, therefore one can use the Yi channel (Liver channel) root point, the Jing-wood point LR1 Dadun, but according to the Nanjing theory to drain a Jing-well, drain a Ying-spring, therefore change it to the draining Ying-fire point LR2 Xingjian to treat Stomach channel excess patterns; and combine it with the Geng channel (Large Intestine channel) root point, the Jing-metal point LI1 Shangyang, but again according to the theory to drain a Jing-well, drain a Ying-spring, therefore change it to the draining Ying-water point LI 2 Erjian to treat Stomach channel excess patterns. In summary, treatment of Stomach excess patterns can adopt the method of drain with Metal, Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal.

Point combination for Spleen channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Spleen channel: use the Stomach channel root point ST36 Zusanli, and the Kidney channel root point KI 10 Yingu.

Principle explanation

The Spleen channel’s Heavenly Stem is Ji; its Five-Element attribution is Earth. Fire is the mother of Earth; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Fire can generate Earth. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire, therefore one can use the Wu channel (Spleen channel) root point, the He-earth point ST36 Zusanli, to treat Spleen channel deficiency patterns, and combine it with the Gui channel (Kidney channel) root point, the He-water point KI 10 Yingu, to treat Spleen channel deficiency patterns. In summary, treatment of Spleen deficiency patterns can adopt the method of tonify with Fire, Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire.

Point combination for Spleen channel excess patterns

Drain the Spleen channel: use the Liver channel LR2 Xingjian point (according to the theory to drain a Jing-well, drain a Ying-spring, therefore changed from the channel’s root point Dadun to the Ying point LR2 Xingjian), and the Large Intestine channel LI 2 Erjian (according to the theory to drain a Jing-well, drain a Ying-spring, therefore changed from the channel’s root point Shangyang to the Ying point LI 2 Erjian).

Principle explanation

The Spleen channel’s Heavenly Stem is Ji, its Earthly Branch is Chen, its Five-Element attribution is Earth. Metal is the child of Earth; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Metal can drain Earth. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal, therefore one can use the Yi channel (Liver channel) root point, the Jing-wood point LR1 Dadun, but according to the Nanjing theory to drain a Jing-well, drain a Ying-spring, therefore change it to the draining Ying-fire point LR2 Xingjian to treat Spleen channel excess patterns; and combine it with the Geng channel (Large Intestine channel) root point, the Jing-metal point LI1Shangyang, but again according to the theory to drain a Jing-well, drain a Ying-spring, therefore change it to the draining Ying-water point LI 2 Erjian to treat Spleen channel excess patterns. In summary, treatment of Spleen excess patterns can adopt the method of drain with Metal, Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal.

Point combination for Heart channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Heart channel: use the Heart channel root point HT 8 Shaofu, and the Bladder channel root point BL66 Tonggu.

Principle explanation

The Heart channel’s Heavenly Stem is Ding; its Five-Element attribution is Fire. Wood is the mother of Fire; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Wood can generate Fire. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood, therefore one can use the Ding channel (Heart channel) root point, the Ying-fire point HT 8 Shaofu, to treat Heart channel deficiency patterns, and combine it with the Ren channel (Bladder channel) root point, the Ying-water point BL66 Tonggu, to treat Heart channel deficiency patterns. In summary, treatment of Heart deficiency patterns can adopt the method of tonify with Wood, Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood.

Point combination for Heart channel excess patterns

Drain the Heart channel: use the Gall Bladder channel root point GB41 Zulinqi, and the Spleen channel root point SP3 Taibai.

Principle explanation

The Heart channel’s Heavenly Stem is Ding; its Five-Element attribution is Fire. Earth is the child of Fire; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Earth can drain Fire. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth, therefore one can use the Jia channel (Gall Bladder channel) root point, the Shu-wood point GB41 Zulinqi, to treat Heart channel excess patterns, and combine it with the Ji channel (Spleen channel) root point, the Shu-earth point SP3 Taibai, to treat Heart channel excess patterns. In summary, treatment of Heart excess patterns can adopt the method of drain with Earth, Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth.

Point combination for Small Intestine channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Small Intestine channel: use the Heart channel root point HT8 Shaofu, and the Bladder channel root point BL66 Tonggu.

Principle explanation

The Small Intestine channel’s Heavenly Stem is Bing; its Five-Element attribution is Fire. Wood is the mother of Fire; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Wood can generate Fire. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood, therefore one can use the Ding channel (Heart channel) root point, the Ying-fire point HT8 Shaofu, to treat Small Intestine channel deficiency patterns, and combine it with the Ren channel (Bladder channel) root point, the Ying-water point BL66 Tonggu, to treat Small Intestine channel deficiency patterns. In summary, treatment of Small Intestine deficiency patterns can adopt the method of tonify with Wood, Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood.

Point combination for Small Intestine channel excess patterns

Drain the Small Intestine channel: use the Gall Bladder channel root point GB41 Zulinqi, and the Spleen channel root point SP3 Taibai.

Principle explanation

The Small Intestine channel’s Heavenly Stem is Bing; its Five-Element attribution is Fire. Earth is the child of Fire; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Earth can drain Fire. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth, therefore one can use the Jia channel (Gall Bladder channel) root point, the Shu-wood point GB41 Zulinqi, to treat Small Intestine channel excess patterns, and combine it with the Ji channel (Spleen channel) root point, the Shu-earth point SP3 Taibai, to treat Small Intestine channel excess patterns. In summary, treatment of Small Intestine excess patterns can adopt the method of drain with Earth, Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth.

Point combination for Bladder channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Bladder channel: use the Liver channel LR8 Ququan (according to the theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, therefore changed from the channel’s Jing-well point Dadun to the He-water point LR8 Ququan), and the Large Intestine channel LI11 Quchi (according to the theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, therefore changed from the channel’s Jing-well point Shangyang to the He-earth point LI11Quchi).

Principle explanation

The Bladder channel’s Heavenly Stem is Ren; its Five-Element attribution is Water. Metal is the mother of Water; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Metal can generate Water. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal, therefore one can use the Yi channel (Liver channel) root point, the Jing-wood point Dadun, but according to the Nanjing theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, therefore change it to the tonifying He-water point LR8 Ququan to treat Bladder channel deficiency patterns; and combine it with the Geng channel (Large Intestine channel) root point, the Jing-metal point Shangyang, but again according to the theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, therefore change it to the tonifying He-earth point LI1 Quchi to treat Bladder channel deficiency patterns. In summary, Bladder channel deficiency pattern treatment can adopt the method of tonify with Metal, Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal.

Point combination for Bladder channel excess patterns

Drain the Bladder channel: use the Heart channel root point HT 8 Shaofu, and the Bladder channel root point BL66 Tonggu.

Principle explanation

The Bladder channel’s Heavenly Stem is Ren; its Five-Element attribution is Water. Wood is the child of Water; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Wood can drain Water. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood, therefore one can use the Ding channel (Heart channel) root point, the Ying-fire point HT 8 Shaofu, to treat Bladder channel excess patterns, and combine it with the Ren channel (Bladder channel) root point, the Ying-water point BL66 Tonggu, to treat Bladder channel excess patterns. In summary, Bladder channel excess pattern treatment can adopt the method of drain with Wood, Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood.

Point combination for Kidney channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Kidney channel: use the Liver channel LR8 Ququan (according to the theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, therefore changed from the channel’s Jing-well point Dadun to the He point LR8 Ququan), and the Large Intestine channel LI1 Quchi (according to the theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, therefore changed from the channel’s Jing-well point Shangyang to the He-earth point LI1 Quchi).

Principle explanation

The Kidney channel’s Heavenly Stem is Gui; its Five-Element attribution is Water. Metal is the mother of Water; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Metal can generate Water. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal, therefore one can use the Yi channel (Liver channel) root point, the Jing-wood point Dadun, but according to the Nanjing theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, therefore change it to the tonifying He-water point LR8 Ququan to treat Kidney channel deficiency patterns; and combine it with the Geng channel (Large Intestine channel) root point, the Jing-metal point Shangyang, but again according to the theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, therefore change it to the tonifying He-earth point LI1 Quchi to treat Kidney channel deficiency patterns. In summary, Kidney deficiency pattern treatment can adopt the method of tonify with Metal, Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal.

Point combination for Kidney channel excess patterns

Drain the Kidney channel: use the Heart channel root point HT 8 Shaofu, and the Bladder channel root point BL66 Tonggu.

Principle explanation

The Kidney channel’s Heavenly Stem is Gui; its Five-Element attribution is Water. Wood is the child of Water; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Wood can drain Water. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood, therefore one can use the Ding channel (Heart channel) root point, the Ying-fire point HT 8 Shaofu, to treat Kidney channel excess patterns, and combine it with the Ren channel (Bladder channel) root point, the Ying-water point BL66 Tonggu, to treat Kidney channel excess patterns. In summary, Kidney excess pattern treatment can adopt the method of drain with Wood, Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood.

Point combination for Gall Bladder channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Gall Bladder channel: use the Small Intestine channel root point SI 5 Yanggu, and the Lung channel root point LU8 Jingqu.

Principle explanation

The Gall Bladder channel’s Heavenly Stem is Jia; its Five-Element attribution is Wood. Water is the mother of Wood; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Water can generate Wood. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water, therefore one can use the Bing channel (Small Intestine channel) root point, the Jing-fire point SI 5 Yanggu, to treat Gall Bladder channel deficiency patterns, and combine it with the Xin channel (Lung channel) root point, the Jing-metal point LU8 Jingqu, to treat Gall Bladder channel deficiency patterns. In summary, Gall Bladder deficiency pattern treatment can adopt the method of tonify with Water, Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water.

Point combination for Gall Bladder channel excess patterns

Drain the Gall Bladder channel: use the Stomach channel root point ST36 Zusanli, and the Kidney channel root point KI 10 Yingu.

Principle explanation

The Gall Bladder channel’s Heavenly Stem is Jia; its Five-Element attribution is Wood. Fire is the child of Wood; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Fire can drain Wood. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire, therefore one can use the Wu channel (Stomach channel) root point, the He-earth point ST36 Zusanli, to treat Gall Bladder channel excess patterns, and combine it with the Gui channel (Kidney channel) root point, the He-water point KI 10 Yingu, to treat Gall Bladder channel excess patterns. In summary, Gall Bladder excess pattern treatment can adopt the method of drain with Fire, Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire.

Point combination for Liver channel deficiency patterns

Tonify the Liver channel: use the Small Intestine channel root point SI 5 Yanggu, and the Lung channel root point LU8 Jingqu.

Principle explanation

The Liver channel’s Heavenly Stem is Yi; its Five-Element attribution is Wood. Water is the mother of Wood; according to in deficiency, tonify the mother, therefore tonifying Water can generate Wood. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water, therefore one can use the Bing channel (Small Intestine channel) root point, the Jing-fire point SI 5 Yanggu, to treat Liver channel deficiency patterns, and combine it with the Xin channel (Lung channel) root point, the Jing-metal point LU8 Jingqu, to treat Liver channel deficiency patterns. In summary, Liver deficiency pattern treatment can adopt the method of tonify with Water, Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water.

Point combination for Liver channel excess patterns

Drain the Liver channel: use the Stomach channel root point ST36 Zusanli, and the Kidney channel root point KI 10 Yingu.

Principle explanation

The Liver channel’s Heavenly Stem is Yi; its Five-Element attribution is Wood. Fire is the child of Wood; according to in excess, drain the child, therefore draining Fire can drain Wood. Moreover, according to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire, therefore one can use the Wu channel (Stomach channel) root point, the He-earth point ST36 Zusanli, to treat Liver channel excess patterns, and combine it with the Gui channel (Kidney channel) root point, the He-water point KI 10 Yingu, to treat Liver channel excess patterns. In summary, Liver excess pattern treatment can adopt the method of drain with Fire, Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire.

Clinical Applications of the Five Gates and Ten Transformations (Mutual Combination)

The Five Gates and Ten Transformations point-combination method has another approach called the Mutual Combination Treatment Method. It is used less often, but in using the mutual method to treat limb diseases it indeed has marked effects. The point-combination method of the mutual method is as follows.

Point combination for Lung channel disorders

Lung channel (Xin) disorders are treated using the Small Intestine channel (Bing) root point SI 5 Yanggu.

Principle explanation

The Lung channel’s Heavenly Stem is Xin; its Five-Element attribution is Metal. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water, therefore Bing and Xin mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Xin channel (Lung channel) can be treated using the Bing channel (Small Intestine channel); conversely, disease of the Bing channel (Small Intestine channel) can be treated using the Xin channel (Lung channel). Here, Lung channel (Xin) disorders can be treated using the Small Intestine channel (Bing) root point, the Jing-fire point SI 5 Yanggu.

Point combination method for Large Intestine channel disorders

Large Intestine channel (Geng) deficiency patterns should originally use the Liver channel (Yi) root point Dadun, but according to the Nanjing theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, it is therefore changed to the tonifying He-water point LR8 Ququan to treat Large Intestine channel deficiency patterns.

Principle explanation

The Large Intestine channel’s Heavenly Stem is Geng; its Five-Element attribution is Metal. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal, therefore Yi and Geng mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Yi channel (Liver channel) can be treated using the Geng channel (Large Intestine channel); conversely, disease of the Geng channel (Large Intestine channel) can be treated using the Yi channel (Liver channel). Here, Large Intestine channel (Geng) disorders can use the Liver channel (Yi) root point, the Jing-wood point LR Dadun, but according to the Nanjing theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, it is therefore changed to the tonifying He-water point LR8 Ququan to treat Large Intestine channel deficiency patterns.

Point combination for Stomach channel disorders

Stomach channel (Wu) disorders are treated using the Kidney channel (Gui) root point KI 10 Yingu.

Principle explanation

The Stomach channel’s Heavenly Stem is Wu; its Five-Element attribution is Earth. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire, therefore Wu and Gui mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Wu channel (Stomach channel) can be treated using the Gui channel (Kidney channel); conversely, disease of the Gui channel (Kidney channel) can be treated using the Wu channel (Stomach channel). Here, Stomach channel (Wu) disorders can be treated using the Kidney channel (Gui) root point, the He-water point KI 10 Yingu.

Point combination for Spleen channel disorders

Spleen channel (Ji) disorders are treated using the Gall Bladder channel (Jia) root point GB41 Zulinqi.

Principle explanation

The Spleen channel’s Heavenly Stem is Ji; its Five-Element attribution is Earth. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth, therefore Jia and Ji mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Jia channel (Gall Bladder channel) can be treated using the Ji channel (Spleen channel); conversely, disease of the Ji channel (Spleen channel) can be treated using the Jia channel (Gall Bladder channel). Here, Spleen channel (Ji) disorders can be treated using the Gall Bladder channel (Jia) root point, the Shu-wood point GB41 Zulinqi.

Point combination for Heart channel disorders

Heart channel (Ding) disorders are treated using the Bladder channel (Ren) root point BL66 Tonggu.

Principle explanation

The Heart channel’s Heavenly Stem is Ding; its Five-Element attribution is Fire. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood, therefore Ding and Ren mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Ding channel (Heart channel) can be treated using the Ren channel (Bladder channel); conversely, disease of the Ren channel (Bladder channel) can be treated using the Ding channel (Heart channel). Here, Heart channel (Ding) disorders can be treated using the Bladder channel (Ren) root point, the Ying-water point BL66 Tonggu.

Point combination for Small Intestine channel disorders

Small Intestine channel (Bing) disorders are treated using the Lung channel (Xin) root point LU8 Jingqu.

Principle explanation

The Small Intestine channel’s Heavenly Stem is Bing; its Five-Element attribution is Fire. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Bing–Xin combine and transform into Water, therefore Bing and Xin mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Bing channel (Small Intestine channel) can be treated using the Xin channel (Lung channel); conversely, disease of the Xin channel (Lung channel) can be treated using the Bing channel (Small Intestine channel). Here, Small Intestine channel (Bing) disorders can be treated using the Lung channel (Xin) root point, the Jing-metal point LU8 Jingqu.

Point combination for Bladder channel disorders

Bladder channel (Ren) disorders are treated using the Heart channel (Ding) root point HT 8 Shaofu.

Principle explanation

The Bladder channel’s Heavenly Stem is Ren; its Five-Element attribution is Water. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Ding–Ren combine and transform into Wood, therefore Ding and Ren mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Ding channel (Heart channel) can be treated using the Ren channel (Bladder channel); conversely, disease of the Ren channel (Bladder channel) can be treated using the Ding channel (Heart channel). Here, Bladder channel (Ren) disorders can be treated using the Heart channel (Ding) root point, the Ying-fire point HT 8 Shaofu.

Point combination for Kidney channel disorders

Kidney channel (Gui) disorders are treated using the Stomach channel (Wu) root point ST36 Zusanli.

Principle explanation

The Kidney channel’s Heavenly Stem is Gui; its Five-Element attribution is Water. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Wu–Gui combine and transform into Fire, therefore Wu and Gui mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Wu channel (Stomach channel) can be treated using the Gui channel (Kidney channel); conversely, disease of the Gui channel (Kidney channel) can be treated using the Wu channel (Stomach channel). Here, Kidney channel (Gui) disorders can be treated using the Stomach channel (Wu) root point, the He-earth point ST36 Zusanli.

Point combination for Gall Bladder channel disorders

Gall Bladder channel (Jia) disorders are treated using the Spleen channel (Ji) root point SP3 Taibai.

Principle explanation

The Gall Bladder channel’s Heavenly Stem is Jia; its Five-Element attribution is Wood. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Jia–Ji combine and transform into Earth, therefore Jia and Ji mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Jia channel (Gall Bladder channel) can be treated using the Ji channel (Spleen channel); conversely, disease of the Ji channel (Spleen channel) can be treated using the Jia channel (Gall Bladder channel). Here, Gall Bladder channel (Jia) disorders can be treated using the Spleen channel (Ji) root point, the Shu-earth point SP3 Taibai.

Point combination for Liver channel disorders

Liver channel (Yi) disorders can use the Large Intestine channel (Geng) root point Shangyang, but according to the Nanjing theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, it is therefore changed to the tonifying He-water point LR8 Ququan to treat Large Intestine channel deficiency patterns.

Principle explanation

The Liver channel’s Heavenly Stem is Yi; its Five-Element attribution is Wood. According to the Five Gates and Ten Transformations theory Yi–Geng combine and transform into Metal, therefore Yi and Geng mutually combine. Thus, disease of the Yi channel (Liver channel) can be treated using the Geng channel (Large Intestine channel); conversely, disease of the Geng channel (Large Intestine channel) can be treated using the Yi channel (Liver channel). Here, Liver channel (Yi) deficiency patterns can use the Large Intestine channel (Geng) root point, the Jing-metal point LI 1 Shangyang for treatment, but according to the Nanjing theory to tonify a Jing-well, tonify a He-sea, it is therefore changed to the tonifying He-earth point LI1 Quchi to treat Liver channel deficiency patterns.