Introduction to Sinew Channel Binding Points

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the sinew channels, or Jing Jin, represent the body's muscular and fascial pathways, which are important for movement, posture, and the flow of Wei Qi (defensive energy). These channels connect the surface of the body to deeper internal structures, forming a network that supports the body’s ability to respond to external stimuli and maintain upright posture. Within this network, binding points are specific areas where the sinew channels converge or connect, creating nodal points that anchor and stabilize muscles and tendons.

Binding points are significant in understanding the dynamics of the sinew channels because they represent areas where physical tension and energy tend to accumulate. These points often align with anatomical locations where muscle, tendon, and ligament density is higher, or where there is a change in the direction or function of muscle groups. For example, Du 4 (Mingmen) and Du 14 (Dazhui), located along the spine, correspond to key structural areas in the body and are frequently utilized in TCM treatments to support the body’s overall stability and energy.

In practice, binding points are often addressed in treatments to alleviate tension, restore energy flow, and support the healing of musculoskeletal conditions. When these points become restricted or blocked, it can lead to discomfort, stiffness, and limited movement. By focusing on these binding points, practitioners can help to release accumulated tension and improve overall function. For instance, GB 34 (Yanglingquan), located near the knee, serves as a binding point for the leg sinew channels and is commonly used to address issues related to the lower extremities, such as muscle tightness or knee discomfort.

Moreover, some of these binding points intersect with other major channels, including the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, which are considered reservoirs of energy in TCM. These intersections enhance the therapeutic value of binding points, offering a multifaceted approach to treatment. For example, SI 10 (Naoshu) not only serves as a binding point for the sinew channels of the shoulder but also intersects with the Yang Qiao Mai, adding depth to its therapeutic applications.

Head and Neck:

1. Du 16 (Fengfu)

   • Location: Below the external occipital protuberance.
   • Intersection: Meeting point of the Du Mai, Yang Wei Mai, and the Bladder sinew channel.

2. BL 10 (Tianzhu)

   • Location: 1.3 cun lateral to Du 15.
   • Intersection: Meeting point of the Bladder channel with the Yang Qiao Mai.

3. ST 8 (Touwei)

   • Location: At the corner of the forehead.
   • Intersection: Meeting point of the Stomach channel, Gallbladder channel, and Yang Wei Mai.

4. SI 18 (Quanliao)

   • Location: Below the outer canthus of the eye.
   • Intersection: Meeting point of the Small Intestine and San Jiao channels.

Shoulder and Upper Body:

5. SI 10 (Naoshu)

   • Location: On the scapula, inferior and lateral to the scapular spine.
   • Intersection: Meeting point of the Small Intestine channel, Yang Qiao Mai, and the Bladder channel.

6. LI 15 (Jianyu)

   • Location: Anterior and inferior to the acromion.
   • Intersection: Meeting point of the Large Intestine channel and Yang Qiao Mai.

7. SJ 14 (Jianliao)

   • Location: Posterior to LI 15.
   • Intersection: Meeting point of the San Jiao channel with the Yang Wei Mai.

8. SJ 10 (Tianjing)

   • Location: In the depression 1 cun superior to the olecranon.
   • Intersection: San Jiao channel; used for elbow and upper arm issues, as well as heat conditions in the body.

9. LI 12 (Zhouliao)

   • Location: 1 cun proximal and lateral to LI 11, on the extensor side of the arm.
   • Intersection: Large Intestine channel; significant for treating tennis elbow and pain along the arm.

10. LI 6 (Pianli)

    • Location: 3 cun proximal to LI 5 on the line connecting LI 5 and LI 11.
    • Intersection: Luo-Connecting point of the Large Intestine channel; influences the arm's sinew channels and is useful for treating conditions related to the wrist and elbow.

11. SI 8 (Xiaohai)

    • Location: In the depression between the olecranon of the ulna and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
    • Intersection: Small Intestine channel; important for elbow and forearm issues.

12. LU 3 (Tianfu)

    • Location: 3 cun below the axillary fold, on the radial side of the biceps brachii.
    • Intersection: Lung channel; significant for lung-related issues and arm movement.

Torso:

13. GB 22 (Yuanye)

    • Location: On the mid-axillary line, in the 5th intercostal space.
    • Intersection: Meeting point of the three Arm Yin sinew channels (Lung, Heart, and Pericardium channels).

14. Du 14 (Dazhui)

    • Location: Below the spinous process of C7.
    • Intersection: Meeting point of the Du Mai and the six Yang channels (Bladder, Stomach, Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, and San Jiao channels).

15. Du 4 (Mingmen)

    • Location: Below the spinous process of L2.
    • Intersection: Du Mai; significant for kidney function and vitality.

16. Ren 3 (Zhongji)

    • Location: On the midline, 4 cun below the umbilicus.
    • Intersection: Meeting point of the three Leg Yin channels (Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels).

17. Ren 15 (Jiuwei)

    • Location: 1 cun below the xiphoid process on the midline.
    • Intersection: Ren Mai; considered the Luo-Connecting point of the Ren Mai.

18. LIV 13 (Zhangmen)

    • Location: Directly anterior and inferior to the free end of the 11th rib.
    • Intersection: Meeting point of the Liver and Gallbladder channels; also the Front-Mu point of the Spleen.

19. GB 29 (Juliao)

    • Location: Midway between the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the prominence of the greater trochanter.
    • Intersection: Meeting point of the Gallbladder and Yang Qiao Mai.

20. ST 25 (Tianshu)

    • Location: 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus.
    • Intersection: Meeting point of the Stomach channel; also the Front-Mu point of the Large Intestine.

21. SP 21 (Dabao)

    • Location: On the mid-axillary line, in the 6th or 7th intercostal space.
    • Intersection: Great Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen; influences the whole body’s sinew channels.

22. GB 25 (Jingmen)

    • Location: On the lateral side of the abdomen, at the lower border of the free end of the 12th rib.
    • Intersection: Front-Mu point of the Kidney; related to the Gallbladder channel, influencing the abdominal muscles and the lumbar area.

Legs:

23. GB 34 (Yanglingquan)

    • Location: In the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.
    • Intersection: Meeting point of the Gallbladder channel with the sinew channels of the leg.

24. ST 32 (Futu)

    • Location: 6 cun above the lateral border of the patella.
    • Intersection: Related to the Stomach sinew channel.

25. BL 36 (Chengfu)

    • Location: In the center of the gluteal fold.
    • Intersection: Influences the Bladder sinew channel.

26. UB 56 (Chengjin)

    • Location: 5 cun below BL 40 in the center of the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle.
    • Intersection: Bladder sinew channel; important for treating leg pain and spasm.

27. GB 38 (Yangfu)

    • Location: 4 cun above the tip of the lateral malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.
    • Intersection: Gallbladder channel; important for treating leg pain and dizziness.

28. GB 41 (Zulinqi)

    • Location: In the depression distal to the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsals, on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digiti minimi.
    • Intersection: Confluent point of the Dai Mai; influences the Gallbladder channel and is used for conditions affecting the lateral side of the leg.

29. GB 30 (Huantiao)

    • Location: At the junction of the lateral third and medial two-thirds of the distance between the prominence of the greater trochanter and the sacral hiatus.
    • Intersection: Meeting point of the Gallbladder and Bladder channels; important for treating hip and leg pain.

30. KID 2 (Rangu)

    • Location: Anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus, in the depression on the lower border of the navicular bone.
    • Intersection: Kidney channel; important for balancing Kidney Yin and treating foot pain.

31. SP 4 (Gongsun)

    • Location: In the depression distal and inferior to the base of the first metatarsal bone.
    • Intersection: Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen channel; also the Confluent point of the Chong Mai.