These points are located in the Achilles tendon and are well-known for treating spinal pain, occipital headaches, and neck pain. As these points are in the Achilles tendon (77.01 & 77.02) and in the area where the gastrocnemius converges into the tendon (77.03 & 77.04) they are in a region with a high density of connective tissue and fascia. The video below explores more about how to use these points, and why it is important to think of meridians and points in terms of fascia and connective tissues.
In traditional theories, these points are associated with the UB meridian, and in myofascial anatomy, they are located on the Superficial Back Line (SBL). As the fasciae connect distant regions of the body and play an essential role in movement and maintaining structure, the myofascial lines can help us understand qi flow in the context of mechanical energy.
The points 77.01 and 77.02 tend to work best for neck pain in the region of the upper cervical vertebrae and for conditions that affect the deeper muscles and structures including the cervical vertebrae and discs. The image of the small neck muscles in the video reveals some of the deep muscles that these points can influence.
The most superficial posterior neck muscle is the trapezius which is located on the Superficial Back Arm Line and can be reached through points like LI 4, Luo Zhen, SJ 3, and SJ 5. So, while the point combination of SJ 3 and Luo Zhen can be highly effective for some patterns of neck pain, it tends to work best for conditions where the trapezius is in chronic contraction or strain.
Contrasting the points on the SBAL with Tung's points 77.01 - 77.04, we find that the leg points reach the deeper muscles located on the SBL. These muscles include the erector spinae and suboccipal muscles. The myofascia linking the neck to the occiput and the epicranial fascia are also on the SBL. As the points 77.01, 77.02, and 77.03 may be used for occipital headaches, and neck and spinal pain, there is a mechanical (myofascial) and neurological basis for the functions of these points.
In selecting the best acupuncture points to use for each client, it is essential to understand not only what meridians are symptomatic but also what muscles, organs, and systems are imbalanced. Learning the anatomy of the myofascial lines, and how they are similar and different to the meridians, gives acupuncturists a better comprehension of how different points affect different muscles and organs. While there is a large degree of overlap between the meridians and myofascial lines, there are some important differences that need to be recognized, and when this is understood it can greatly help to refine our treatment strategies.
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