Distant points

Distant refers to a location far from the diseased area. Generally, these points are located below the elbows and knees. It is said in Chapter 70 of Plain Questions, " Points on the lower portion should be selected for the upper problems, points on the upper should be selected for the lower problems, and points on the side of the body should be selected for middle problems. " For example, Zusanli ( S 36 ) is selected to treat epigastric and abdominal disorders, Hegu ( Li4 ) is selected to treat facial disorders, Xingjian ( Liv 2 ) is selected to treat swelling and red eyes, and Baihui ( Du 20 ) is selected to treat chronic dysentery

Selection of the distant points forms an important part in the point selection. For example, points on the four extremities are selected for disorders of the head, trunk and zang - fu organs. The system of meridians is a crisscross network running longitudinally and transversely, superficially and deeply. In combination of points, different approaches are conducted, such as combining the above with the below, combining the left with the right ( or crossing combination ) , combining the exterior with the interior, and combining the local with the distant.

Selecting points on the left side to treat disorders on the right side and vice versa is known as the crossing combination of points. It is clearly analyzed in the fifth chapter of Plain Questions as the " contra lateral puncture "