Five Forbidden Acupuncture Points

Introduction 

Acupuncture is a practice having an extensive history and a close root that emerges from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its prime motive is to balance out the life energy known as the 'Qi' of the body. It is performed by thrusting tiny needles into various points or pathways on the body surface named meridians to reinstate health and harmony. Even though most of the points might be potent and efficient in themselves, five of them are prohibited and are labeled as dangerous in certain cases. Its safety-coefficient in alternating their location is put to question due to certain points and their potential, as this essay intends to illustrate why they are dangerous, towards the implementation of either anatomy in situation, clinicality, and recent research.

Understanding the forbidden points

An analysis of these five forbidden acupuncture points concerning their anatomical constitution and risks during their manipulations, reads: There are five named points- "Governing Vessel 3" (Yao Yan), "Bladder 1" (Jingming), "Bladder 60" (Kunlun), "Stomach 11" (Quepen), and "Liver 3" (Tai Chong)-whose very names suggest high risk, all through the anatomical structures coming under "forbidden points": the blood vessels, nerves, and organs, etc.

Governing Vessel 3 (Yao Yan)

Governing Vessel 3 is situated on the back, near the waist and associated with kidney and lumbar. This point is usually given attention by Korean & Japanese acupuncturists. They use it to correct problems in the lower back. However, even they use the point cautiously and superficially because of the presence of the lumbar nerves. The potential risk of hitting the spinal cord is serious, which happens quite easily with an inexperienced acupuncturist, thus eliminating any chance of "any amount of stiffness in the lower back." Practitioners are advised to avoid this point in any case for whom their practice could cause a big shivering and radiating pain instantly, and in patients who have had previous types of spinal traumaening issue and for those who had any other back conditions in the past. 

Bladder 1 (Jingming)

Bladder 1 is a point near the inner canthus that is useful in all visual disorders. In contrast, stimulation needs to be gentle and shallow, with frequency staggered for every 4 to 5 days. While treatments are underway, it is seriously important that stimulation at this point should be gentle. The point must not be stimulated aggressively. The point does not really tolerate too much depth and pressure with the needle while needing deep enough for the body to respond to the stimulus. It is reduced to affect the treatment well. If accidentally and deeply needled, a vein may be damaged, leading to hemorrhaging, while pressing on the brain will lead to significant neurological problems. Bladder 1 would not endanger the way it does all the blood supply to the eyes. Still, the needle might go deep enough to inadvertently violate the blood supply. Hence, it is dangerous, and needles must always be used with caution in a manner that ensures needles can be retrieved, and they must never be left for free drinking for seconds at a time and even stimulation.

Bladder 60 (Kunlun)

This point is located on the outer aspect of the leg surrounded by the Achilles tendon, which carries the weight of the body and provides mobility in point. Bladder 60's clinical use may resolve musculoskeletal or neural problems of the lower limb; its location makes way for a greater risk of injuring the Achilles tendon or even the posterior tibial artery. Injuries to these tendons could significantly impair mobility since this point is recommended to be used only with experienced acupuncturists who must know their anatomy very well, along with the patient's medical history, and should not be done on ischaemia to any of the lower extremities.

Stomach 11 (Quepen)

Situated in the supraclavicular fossa, Stomach 11 is aligned with significant vascular and nerve structures such as the brachial plexus and carotid artery. Improper needling could result in hematoma formation or vascular trauma, leading to severe complications. Because of this associated risk, practitioners often advise caution when considering this point in patients with cardiovascular issues or those on anticoagulant therapy.

Liver 3 (Tai Chong)

Liver 3, located on the dorsum of the foot, is commonly used in acupuncture to regulate liver Qi and relieve stress. However, its placement near major arteries and nerves grounding the feet increases the risk of injury. Excessive force or incorrect needle depth can accidentally pierce the deep peroneal nerve, resulting in paresthesia or foot drop. Practitioners typically encourage the use of this point with caution in patients who may have peripheral neuropathy or vascular issues in the lower extremities.

Clinical Implications and Recent Research

Clinically, the understanding of forbidden acupuncture points has evolved. Recent studies have shown that with appropriate training and consideration of patient safety, even these points can be incorporated into acupuncture treatment with mitigated risks. Enhanced education in acupuncture programs emphasizes the importance of anatomy and safety precautions when administering treatment.

For instance, a study published in the "Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies" emphasizes the psychological advantage of proper needle placement and patient reassurance. Patients who receive acupuncture at these "forbidden" points under supervision reported satisfaction and improvements in symptoms when treated by seasoned practitioners. This finding highlights the importance of expertise in acupuncture practice to minimize risks while maximizing therapeutic benefits.

Moreover, ongoing research into the mechanisms of acupuncture continues to shed light on the potential merits of using forbidden points under controlled conditions. Investigating the integration of advanced imaging techniques during practice has allowed practitioners to visualize underlying structures and improve needle placement strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the five forbidden acupuncture points—Governing Vessel 3, Bladder 1, Bladder 60, Stomach 11, and Liver 3—possess unique anatomical significance that requires careful consideration in clinical practice. Despite their classification as forbidden due to the potential risks involved, recent advancements and a deeper understanding of acupuncture have opened pathways to safely utilize these points in treatment. As research continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly clear that with proper training and awareness, practitioners can incorporate these points effectively while ensuring patient safety. This balance between therapeutic efficacy and caution represents the ongoing journey of acupuncture in modern holistic healthcare.