Master Tung’s Lower Three Emperors Xia san huang 【下三皇】

Master Tung’s Lower Three Emperors 77.17+ 77.19+ 77.21 Acupuncture Points

The name of this Dao ma is “lower three emperors”. The emperor ruled his kingdom from Beijing, at the north of China. The north reflects water and reflects the focus of these acupuncture points on kidney energy and on the pre heaven qi: reproduction, urination and water metabolism.

Although the points are located along the leg Tai yin spleen channel, they relate more to the leg Shao yin kidney aspect. Master Tung believed that spleen channel can treat kidney problems because supporting earth could restrain water.  All three points are used together and are known as “Dao ma” 77-12. This combination is famous for the ability to support the kidney and treat its associated disorders.

Lower three emperors Dao ma 77-12 is a three set points:

Location:

77.17 【天皇】Tian Huang (Heaven emperor) is located on the spleen meridian 1 cun inferior to spleen 9.

77.19 【地皇】Di Huang (Earth emperor) is located 7.5 cun superior to the medial malleolus.

77.21 【人皇】Ren Huang (Human emperor) is located 3.5 cun superior to the medial malleolus (or 0.5 cun above spleen 6).

Note:

There are some doctors who consider the combination of 77.18 (Shen guan)+ 77.19 (Di huang)+ 77.21 (Ren huang) as the “lower three emperors”.

77.17【天皇】Heaven emperor (Tian huang):

Needling:  0.5-1.5 cun.

0.5 cun deep is for stomach acidity. 1-1.5 cun deep  is for kidney disorders. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Moxa is not used.

Reaction area: kidney, heart, six Fu organs.

Main functions: clear heat, transform damp, open the passages in the lower Jiao.

Indications:

1. Excessive gastric acid, stomach ulcer, vomiting, reflux, esophageal disorders. The point is on the spleen channel, therefore can balance stomach heat
2. Nephritis, proteinuria, cystitis, diabetes.
3. Frontal headache (From a mirroring point of view).

77.19 【地皇】Earth emperor (Di huang)

Needling: 1-2 cun. Contraindicated during pregnancy.

Reaction area: Liver kidney.

Main functions: soothe the liver, resolve depression, supplement the kidney, benefit the qi.

Indications:

1. Nephritis, diabetes, edema of the four limbs, urinary tract infection and bleeding, proteinuria.
2. Impotence, premature ejaculation, wet dreams.
3. Irregular menstruation, fibroids, lower back pain.

77.21 【人皇】Human emperor (Ren Huang):

Needling: 0.6-1.5 cun. Contraindicated during pregnancy.

Reaction area: kidney, lung.

Main functions: Harmonize the blood, soothe the sinews, supplement the kidney, benefit the essence.

Indications:

1. 1. Impotence, premature ejaculation, wet dreams, spontaneous emission, infertility.
   2. Neck and lower back pain, dizziness, diabetes all due to kidney deficiency.
   3. Urinary tract infection, hematuria, cystitis, renal failure.

Lower three emperors acupuncture points – Main indications

Dao ma 77-12 (lower three emperors) is located on the spleen meridian. These points reflect the communication between Post and Pre- heaven qi, earth and water elements. The main disharmony we need to look for is kidney imbalance. In master Tung’s acupuncture, it is less relevant whether the TCM pathology is a qi/ yin/ yang or jing deficiency. The main focus is to understand which Zang/ Fu organ is involved, which body tissue is corresponded, where or which limb is affected and what channel is involved.

When needling, we use all three points together. Each point can reflect a different burner, but the main indications to use all three points include major body systems: male or female reproductive system, urinary system, kidney system, digestive system.

Major combinations:

1. For diabetes combine with 88.09 (Tong shen)+ 88.10 (Tong wei)+ 88.11 (Tong bei), upper three yellows (88.12+ 88.13+ 88.14).
2. For general kidney energy support combine with upper three yellows (88.12+ 88.13+ 88.14).
3. For UTI add 44.11 (Yun bai)+ 44.12 (Li bai), 11.25 (Zhi xian), 33-10 Dao ma (33.01+ 33.02+ 33.03).
4. For  PCOS and infertility add 11.24 (Fu ke), 88.04+ 88.05+ 88.06 (Jie mei)+ 11.06 (Huan chao).