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Besides the common cold, more people worldwide, and in particular, people in contemporary Western nations, seek a doctor's care for lower back pain than the combined total of all other health conditions. It then stands to reason that classic local acupuncture (meridian acutherapy) points found in the low back region (see figure A) would be, without question, the most significant local points for the treatment of the number-one health condition worldwide.
A review of these points, and utilization of just a few of the ones shown, will elicit incredible clinical response for low back pain in the majority of cases. There are additional points which are legendary for low back pain that are not found directly in the lumbar region. However, to the veteran practitioner, as well as the uninitiated, the local points illustrated here can and do illicit impressive response when stimulated by a variety of physiotherapeutic means or acupuncture needles.
Figure A is one that you will definitely want to clip and save for further review. The information here is way too important to do otherwise. Virtually every point illustrated will have a specific effect on lumbalgia. BL 23, BL 25, BL 27, BL 28, BL 52 (47), and Du (GV) 2, 3, 4, and 5 are well-known for their success in treating low back pain.
The "Du" meridian, otherwise known as the Governing Vessel (GV), is a midline spinal meridian running from the perineum over the spinous processes, coursing over the head and ending just under the upper lip between the front two teeth. On this meridian, we find some of the most powerful acupuncture points on the body for treating a variety of conditions, other than the obvious low back pain:
* Du 2 - Expels interior wind, strengthens the low back and calms spasms and convulsions.
* Du 3 - Below the fourth lumbar; tonifies yang, and strengthens the lower back and legs.
* Du 4 - "Gate of Life" below the spinous of the second lumbar; nourishes the original chi, tonifies kidney yang, known as the MingMen, "Gate of Vitality," and strengthens the lower back.
* Du 5 - Below...