Descending

The descending method is used to make the upward perverted qi go down and to subdue yang. In Chapter 74 of Plain Questions, it says that " upward perverted flow of qi should be checked by the descending method. " In Chapter 64 of Miraculous Pivot, it says, " Conduct the qi downward if it is excessive in the upper part, " and says again in Chapter 19 of the same book, " Apply acupuncture to Zusanli ( S 36 ) to make the perverted qi of the stomach descend. " In clinics, the commonly used descending methods are as follows :

For regulation of the stomach by keeping its perverted qi to descend, Tanzhong ( Ren 17 ) , Zhongwan ( Ren 12 ) , Neiguan ( P 6 ) and Zusanli ( S 36 ) are needled with the even movement.

For soothing the liver and subduing liver yang. Fengchi ( G 20 ) , Taichong ( Liv 3 ) and Yongquan ( K 1 ) are needled with the reducing method.

But the descending method cannot be used for deficiency syndromes or deficiency syndrome in the upper part and excess in the lower part of the body.