There is a palpation technique involving ST 41 and the metatarsal lines that can be used as both a diagnostic tool and a treatment procedure. The method involves applying pressure to ST 41 and then palpating down each of the lines between the metatarsals. A video is included at the end of the article that demonstrates how to perform this technique.
Acupuncture Points on the Feet and the Deep Front Line (DFL)
Acupuncture points on the feet and between the metatarsals such as LV 3, LV 2, ST 43, ST 44, GB 41, GB 42, and GB 43 share similar structural and functional relationships. Anatomically, they are comparable because the points are located between the metatarsals and they are on the same myofascial line known as the Deep Front Line (DFL). The DFL is shown in the image above and includes the dorsal interossei muscles of the feet, the tibialis posterior muscle, the adductors, pelvic myofascia, visceral fascia, diaphragm, pericardium, and other deep structures.
As we consider the points on the feet reflect on how they function on the zang-fu organs as well as the neurological system. In regards to the zang-fu, LV3 is used for a wide variety of patterns affecting not only the liver, but also the spleen, stomach, lungs, heart, intestines, gallbladder, reproductive, and neurological systems. In Master Tung's methods, 66.04 is used instead of LV 3 and is placed about 0.5 - 1 cun proximal to LV 3. The point 66.04 essentially has the same functions as LV 3 but tends to be even more powerful and is often needled as a pair with LV 2.
Similar to LV 3 and/or 66.04 is the point 66.05 which is located near ST 43. The indications of 66.05/ST 43 include the ability to treat gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders, as well as neurological conditions such as headaches and migraines. The point 66.05 may be needled with ST 44 to compound its effects.
Between the 4th and 5th metatarsals are GB 41 and GB 43 which may also be needled as a pair in the Tung system. These two points are used for neurological conditions such as migraines, hemiplegia, neck pain, sciatica, and numbness. Additionally, they are used for general and global pain.
Comparing these three pairs of points (LV 3, LV 2, ST 43, ST 44, GB 41, and GB 43) we can find similar functions between the points. They are widely used for pain in general, disorders of the head and face, and abdominal, reproductive, pelvic, and lumbar conditions. There are also treatments where 4 - 6 of these points can be needled on the same foot for disorders of the head, face, and sinuses.
Neurologically and myofascially, these six points have similar effects on the nerves, myotomes, and myofascial lines. Understanding this helps to consolidate our knowledge of these points, and can help explain many of the systemic and global responses these points are capable of producing.
The video below demonstrates a palpation technique beginning at ST 41 and progressing through the DFL muscles between the metatarsals.
Thankfully,
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