Xi, cleft points – Xi Xue
The xi Points, known as "cleft points" or "accumulation points," are acupuncture points where the Qi and Blood of a meridian are concentrated deep within, as if constricted into a narrow channel. Let’s explore together what their purpose is.
Summary
Location of the Xi Points
Unlike the mu Points or to the back-Shu points, Xi points are not limited to the 12 main meridians. There are 16 of them: one per main meridian, plus one for each of the four extraordinary vessels—YangQiaoMai, YinQiaoMai, YangWeiMai, and YinWeiMai. They are all located on the limbs, never on the trunk or the head.
Indications for the Xi points
It's important to know that each of these points takes effect quickly.
Here is the correspondence between each meridian and its Xi Point:
| Point Name: Xi | Corresponding organ or viscera |
|---|---|
| KongZui | Lung |
| WenLiu | Large Intestine |
| LiangQiu | Stomach |
| DiJi | Spleen |
| YinXi | Heart |
| YangLao | Small Intestine |
| JinMen | Bladder |
| ShuiQuan | Kidney |
| XiMen | Pericardium |
| HuiZong | Triple Burner |
| WaiQiu | Gallbladder |
| ZhongDu | Liver |
| JiaoXin | YinQiaoMai |
| FuYang | YangQiaoMai |
| ZhuBin | YinWeiMai |
| YangJiao | YangWeiMai |
The Chinese character Xi (郄) evokes a slit, a narrow space where energy rushes in and accumulates. This explains their primary indication: acute and painful conditions, where swift action is needed to clear a blockage.
- On the Yin meridians, the Xi point primarily affects the Blood. It is indicated for hemorrhage or acute blood disorders related to the affected organ.
- On the Yang meridians, the Xi point primarily affects the Qi and the pain. It is indicated for sharp pain or spasms along the meridian.
Here are a few concrete examples to illustrate this:
- In cases of acute bleeding, such as epistaxis (nosebleed) or hemoptysis (coughing up blood from the respiratory tract), I can stimulate KongZui (6P), the Xi point of the Lung, to stop the bleeding, since the lung is directly connected to the respiratory system.
- In cases of acute, severe knee pain along the path of the Stomach, I'll apply pressure or massage LiangQiu firmly, which will quickly dispel the Qi blockage causing the pain.
- In a person experiencing an acute episode of low back pain with sudden stiffness, JinMen, the Xi point of the Bladder, a meridian that runs along the back, will help quickly clear blockages and relieve pain.
Of course, I will also work on other aspects to ensure that the treatment leads to a positive outcome.
Emergency points to know
Xi points are not a substitute for fundamental treatment, but they are invaluable in my practice when an acute condition arises—such as sudden pain, a spasm, or bleeding. They allow for rapid relief while awaiting or complementing a more comprehensive approach to addressing the root cause of the imbalance.
To learn more about the meridians and the different families of acupuncture points, I invite you to pick up my illustrated book Meridians and Acupuncture Points in Chinese Medicine.
Take care of yourself
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