In the tradition of the Five Elements, the spirit leads us to the source of function or dysfunction. Connecting this to the constitution or root cause positions us as acupuncturists to observe the client’s natural rhythms and the way they relate to their life path, as well as to those around them. The elemental correlations with nature illuminate imbalances and honor nature as our greatest teacher.
As a pelvic health specialist, I have found that the spirit of the points on the pelvis are particularly important in supporting our clients, as they connect deeply with the spirit. Working with the points on the pelvis is often pivotal for the client and thus requires a well-designed foundation.
The Wood Phase
When we turn to nature to understand the elements, in the wood phase, the plants, flowers, and many trees demonstrate the “greening up” stage, for which a tremendous amount of energy and strength are required. Think of a crocus bursting through the earth and snow in March – the only color in a white and gray landscape.
This is the transition of yin to yang energy that we observe in the spring. It is the initiation of the outward phase and the manifestation of essence in a tangible expression. Nature shows us this phase as the leaves form on the trees, the greens of perennials poke through the earth, and the colors around us shift from dull grays and browns to vibrant greens.
In our bodies, we experience the spring season as well. In correlation with the microcosm and macrocosm, spring is the pull to go outside and breathe in the fresh air as we immerse ourselves in nature after a winter indoors.
In our bodies, women experience the spring after each monthly bleed. The bleed contains a hint of the tail end of winter, and the follicular phase directly after menses is conceptualized as the spring. The body is more energetic, more creative and more outward.
Life also shares “little springs” with us in our businesses when we launch a new offering within our practices; and with our children as they express themselves in new activities.
The Pelvis in Relation to the Wood Element
The pelvis in relation to the wood element is an exploration of dualities, with the first duality being between strength and flexibility. This delicate balance impacts our posture, mobility, and function. Limitations or excesses in either strength or flexibility lead to a less-than-optimal function. The wood element serves as the structural and functional basis for our physical body, within which our spirit body resides.
The inward root cause and the outward manifestation also are represented by the wood element, which likens us to a huge tree that represents the seen and unseen. This signifies choice, decision-making and direction. The results are seen, but the process is unseen.
The wood energy of spring brings energy and exuberance, but it can also bring confusion or anger, especially when one cannot harness the energy of wood or cultivate enough energy. Being under-resourced haunts momentum and halts growth. Frustration and chaos ensue because the reserves cannot meet the demands.
Wood has the innate nature to push forth, no matter the expense. This can leave wood isolated and incompatible. The harmonization of wood’s strength requires flexibility. When flexibility accentuates its strengths, we experience wood in its optimal form. Emotions such as anger and frustration become teamed with vision, possibility and opportunity, which are characteristics often understood in relation to the liver – the wood element’s paired organ, along with the gallbladder.
The liver assumes its role in the body kingdom as the architect of the human body living in alignment with the tao. The gallbladder takes on the role of the general contractor. They are in roles of leadership, planning, organizing and orchestrating, but they must do so on behalf of and with the insight of the entire body kingdom. These personality traits are often observed in those with wood element constitutions, and if unbalanced, can lead to particular health issues.
Fertility Treatment: A Clinical Case
Fertility clients are often well suited to a Five Element approach. Recently in my clinic, a 32-year-old woman came to see me for fertility treatments. As her story unfolded, it became clear she had a wood constitution and was a self-proclaimed “control freak.” Control made her feel safe.
The client had experienced physical and sexual trauma at a young age, and as a result had not found ways to enjoy sexual intercourse. In addition, she had struggled with an eating disorder for years and had not menstruated since her early 20s.
When she first came for acupuncture, she “hated it.” She described the process as one that illuminated her vulnerability in the most uncomfortable ways. As time went on, she admitted that the vulnerability was a counterbalance to control (flexibility and strength, as we might say in TCM).
She conceived naturally after only about four months of treatment and had a positive pregnancy experience. However, she ended up undergoing an emergency C-section after several hours of labor. She and her baby were OK.
Over the next two years, her battle between control and vulnerability remained as she continued with acupuncture treatments. Anger, frustration, and confusion were paramount when she wanted to conceive again, but she was initially unsuccessful, even with IVF. The following points were pivotal in her acupuncture treatment over time:
Liver 10 (Zu Wu Li; Foot Five Miles): Located 3 cun below Stomach 30, toward the proximal end of the thigh and lateral border of the adductor longus muscle, LV 10 is a grounding point that helps one to walk smoothly with patience, and find residence upon their path. It provides clarity and purpose which appeals to the nature of the liver.
Conception Vessel 12 (Zhong Wan; Center Venter/Middle Duct): Located on the midline halfway between CV 8 and CV 16 and 4 cun above CV 8, this point draws energy to the middle of the body and provides a distribution of qi from the center to the periphery. Middle Duct is often referred to as the master of all ducts; thus, it is a key to stabilization on the path of the tao.
Gallbladder 28 (Wei Dao; Binding/Linking Path): Located anterior and inferior to the ASIS and 0.5 cun anterior and inferior to GB 27, GB 28 is a point that helps one to create a foundation. It unites many paths, ideas, and directions, rectifying chaotic and confused energy. It asks one to lead their life along the path of their creation.
Gallbladder 30 (Huan Tiao; Jumping Round): Located at the junction of the lateral one-third and medial two-third distance between the prominence of the greater trochanter and the hiatus of the sacrum (GV 2) (located with the patient in a lateral recumbent position with their thigh flexed), this is a classic point to open the Gallbladder Channel and reduce tension in the sinews. It is also used to encourage the coordinated movement of the body, mind, and spirit in overcoming obstacles to achieve fulfillment.
Liver 11 (Yin Lian; Yin Corner): Located 2 cun below Stomach 30, at the proximal end of the thigh and lateral border of the adductor longus muscle, Liver 11 is another great point to relax the sinews and eliminate impurities and imbalances in the energy system of the body. Its spirit is a safe and secure space within oneself that supports reflection and clarity. It is a point of respite from which forward momentum can be initiated.
Through working with the spirit of the points on the pelvis, the client identified that the greatest obstacle she had to overcome was herself. Over time, she found that her true strength was actually in her vulnerability, and she stepped into this newly discovered part of herself with full commitment. She became untethered from everything she thought she had to be, finding herself; this led to a completely redesigned life that aligned with the freedom she felt.
Her family moved homes, she changed the focus of her law practice, and she welcomed her second baby, without IVF, at the age of 39.
When working with the spirit of the points, the spirit of a point that we really need pushes up against our consciousness, which can be a little uncomfortable. That discomfort was enormous for this client, but she was dedicated to transforming the pain and struggle she had felt inside herself for many years. Utilizing the spirit of the points with this client after addressing her TCM patterns of dysfunction was the keystone for her to achieve physical and emotional alignment.
One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 20 including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1, 16, and 20 (May 2021); and points 2-3, 8-9, and 12-13 (April 2024). This article focuses on GB points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability, often managed with pharmacological and surgical interventions. However, acupuncture has long been used as a non-invasive treatment for knee pain, and recent research provides new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
