CM SD Index - Differential Diagnosis

Condition Details
TCM Diagnosis
Qi and blood stagnation with Liver yin deficiency
Herbal Formula
Neck & Shoulder (CR)
- Needle the following points on the side opposite the pain: Lingdao (HT 4), Tongli (HT 5), Shenmen (HT 7), Xuanzhong (GB 39), and Shugu (BL 65).
- Needle the following points on the same side as the pain: Houxi (SI 3), Zhongzhu (TH 3), and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) or ah shi points nearby.
- After the needles are inserted, the patient should move his or her neck to loosen up the joint and the muscles.
- Needle the opposite side of the pain. If the pain is bilateral, needle bilaterally.
- Shoulder pain : Shangqiu (SP 5), Zhongfeng (LR 4), Jiexi (ST 41), Qiuxu (GB 40), two needles from Kunlun (BL 60) to Pushen (BL 61), needle halfway between Jiexi (ST 41) and Qiuxu (GB 40), 2-3 needles from Fenglong (ST 40) to Jiexi (ST 41). Neelde the opposite ankle or hip.
- Neck pain : Needle the opposite side of the pain, two points from Lingdao (HT 4) to Shenmen (HT 7) two points from Lieque (LU 7) to Taiyuan (LU 9), Shangqiu (SP 5), in between Shangqiu (SP 5) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), 3 needles from Zhongfeng (LR 4) to Ligou (LR 5), two needles from Taixi (KI 3) to Fuliu (KI 7), Zhenjing (T 1010.08), Boqiu (T 77.04)
- First identify the location of the pain and determine the muscle group involved. Second, choose a vessel that deliver blood to this jingjin. Third, choose vessels that treat the painful muscles. Finally, choose the correct area or zone based on imaging to needle.
- Pain All Around the Neck and Shoulder:
- Left side: 2 needles on each of the following: the knuckles on the yin channels of the palm, Jiexi (ST 41), Qiuxu (GB 40), Kunlun (BL 60), Pushen (BL 61)
- Right side: Wangu (SI 4), Waiguan (TH 5), Yangxi (LI 5), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Fuliu (KI 7), Ligou (LR 5)
- Left and right sides can be alternated from treatment to treatment. Needle into the tendons.
- Upper Neck Pain: Bilateral - one needle on each intermetacarpal joint from Houxi (SI 3) to Yuji (LU 10). If the pain is at C1, needle Weizhong (BL 40) deep into the bone and needle the middle of the distal joints of both index fingers on the palmar side.
- Lower Neck Pain (Base of the Neck): Bilateral - 1 needle on each yin and yang channel on the wrists and ankles until you hit the bone. Yangxi (LI 5), Yangchi (TH 4), Yanggu (SI 5), Shenmen (HT 7), Daling (PC 7), Taiyuan (LU 9), Shenmai (BL 62), Qiuxu (GB 40), Jiexi (ST 41), Zhongfeng (LR 4), Shangqiu (SP 5), Zhaohai (KI 6). You can spread the image proximally and distally from the wrist and ankles and needle more points for a better result.
- Pain on the Spine (GV Channel): T1-T12 has an image from the mid frontal hairline to Baihui (GV 20). T12 to the tailbone is from Fengchi (GB 20) to the occipital protuberance. Find the correct corresponding image area and place 2-3 needles on the ah shi point.
- Neck Pain (Trapezius/BL Channel): Bilateral - 4 needles evenly spaced from Qiangu (SI 2) to Xiaohai (SI 8), Weizhong (BL 40) to Zutonggu (BL 66), Rangu (KI 2) to Yingu (KI 10), Chize (LU 5) to Yuji (LU 10)
- Neck Pain (Levator Scapulae/SI Channel): Bilateral - 3 needles evenly spaced from Xingjian (LR 2) to Ququan (LR 8), Qiangu (SI 2) to Xiaohai (SI 8), Dadu (SP 2) to Yinlingquan (SP 9), Shaohai (HT 3) to Shaofu (HT 8)
- Neck Pain (Erector Spinae/KI Channel): Bilateral - Zhaohai (KI 6), 3 needles evenly spaced from Weizhong (BL 40) to Zutonggu (BL 66), Erjian (LI 2) to Zhouliao (LI 12), Yemen (TH 2) to Tianjing (TH 10), Rangu (KI 2) to Yingu (KI 10)
- Neck Pain (Scalenus Posterior/TH Channel): Bilateral - 3 needles evenly spaced from Yemen (TH 2) to Tianjing (TH 10), Quze (PC 3) to Laogong (PC 8), Rangu (KI 2) to Yingu (KI 10), Yanglingquan (GB 34) to Zuqiaoyin (GB 44)
- Neck Pain (Scalenus Medius/LI Channel): Bilateral - 3 needles evenly spaced from Erjian (LI 2) to Shousanli (LI 10), Dubi (ST 35) to Neiting (ST 44), Xingjian (LR 2) to Ququan (LR 8), Chize (LU 5) to Yuji (LU 10)
- Neck Pain (Scalenus Anterior/GB Channel): Bilateral - 3 needles evenly spaced from Yangjiao (GB 35) to Zuqiaoyin (GB 44), Yemen (TH 2) to Tianjing (TH 10), Shaohai (HT 3) to Shaofu (HT 8), Xingjian (LR 2) to Ququan (LR 8)
- Neck Pain (Sternocleidomastoid/BL Channel): Bilateral - 3 needles evenly spaced from Qiangu (SI 2) to Xiaohai (SI 8), Weizhong (BL 40) to Zutonggu (BL 66), Rangu (KI 2) to Yingu (KI 10), Chize (LU 5) to Yuji (LU 10)
- Neck Pain (Upper Part of the Rhomboid Minor/LI Channel): Bilateral - 3 needles evenly spaced from Hegu (LI 4) to Zhouliao (LI 12), Zusanli (ST 36) to Chongyang (ST 42), Chize (LU 5) to Yuji (LU 10), Zhongfeng (LR 4) to Ququan (LR 8)
- Neck Pain (Rectus Capitis Posterior Major, Longus Capitis, Longus Colli, Semispinalis Cervicis/KI Channel): Bilateral - Rangu (KI 2) to Fuliu (KI 7), Feiyang (BL 58) to Shugu (BL 65), Lingdao (HT 4) to Shaofu (HT 8), Hegu (LI 4) to Wenliu (LI 7), Zhongzhu (TH 3) to Waiguan (TH 5)
- General Shoulder Pain: Bilateral - Xiyan (Ex-LE5), ah shi points from Tiaokou (ST 38) to Jiexi (ST 41); or needle ah shi points from Zhongfeng (LR 4) to Ququan (LR 8); or 5 needles on the medial side of the bony area from Yingu (KI 10) to Xiyan. If there are no ah shi points, place 4 needles equal distance from the points listed above.
- Shoulder Pain (Posterior Deltoid/TH Channel): Bilateral - Yemen (TH 2), Zhongzhu (TH 3), Yangchi (TH 4), Waiguan (TH 5), Qiuxu (GB 40), Zulinqi (GB 41), Diwuhui (GB 42), 3 needles evenly spaced from Rangu (KI 2) to Yingu (KI 10). When possible, insert needle deep into the joint for maximum effect.
- Shoulder Pain (Middle Deltoid/LI Channel): Bilateral - 3 needles evenly spaced from Hegu (LI 4) to Pianli (LI 6), Kongzui (LU 6) to Taiyuan (LU 9), Tiaokou (ST 38) to Chongyang (ST 42), Zhongfeng (LR 4) to Ququan (LR 8)
- Shoulder Pain (Anterior Deltoid/LU Channel): Bilateral - 3 needles evenly spaced from Chize (LU 5) to Taiyuan (LU 9), Yangxi (LI 5) to Zhouliao (LI 12), Gongsun (SP 4) to Yinlingquan (SP 9), Weizhong (BL 40) to Kunlun (BL 60)
- Shoulder Joint Pain (Supraspinatus/TH Channel): Opposite side of the pain - 5 needles evenly spaced from Yemen (TH 2) to Tianjing (TH 10), Quze (PC 3) to Laogong (PC 8); Bilateral - 5 needles evenly spaced from Yanglingquan (GB 34) to Zulinqi (GB 41), Rangu (KI 2) to Yingu (KI 10). When possible, insert needle deep into the joint for maximum effect.
- Shoulder Joint Pain (Teres Minor, Infraspinatus/SI Channel): Bilateral - 5 needles evenly spaced from Qiangu (SI 2) to Xiaohai (SI 8), Shaohai (HT 3) to Shaofu (HT 8), Weizhong (BL 40) to Kunlun (BL 60), Xingjian (LR 2) to Ququan (LR 8). Needle deep into the muscles, tendons and joints for maximum effect.
- Shoulder Joint Pain (Subscapularis, Biceps Brachii Long Head/LI Channel): Bilateral - 5 needles evenly spaced from Erjian (LI 2) to Quchi (LI 11), Dubi (ST 35) to Neiting (ST 44), Chize (LU 5) to Yuji (LU 10), Xingjian (LR 2) to Ququan (LR 8). Needle deep into the muscles, tendons and joints for maximum effect.
- Primary points: Chongzi (T 22.01), Chongxian (T 22.02), Shangbai (T 22.03), Zhengjin (T 77.01), Zhengzong (T 77.02), Zhengshi (T 77.03), Yizhong (T 77.05), Erzhong (T 77.06), Sanzhong (T 77.07), Qihu (T 77.26), Sojingdian (T 22.19)*
- Secondary points: Feixin (T 11.11), Zhishen (T 11.15), Fuyuan (T 11.22), Shangbai (T 22.03), Huochuan (T 33.04), Sanchayi (T 22.15)*, Sanchaer (T 22.16)*, Sanchasan (T 22.17)*, Zhongjiuli (T 88.25)
- Needle contralateral to the pain. If the pain is in the center, needle bilaterally or the side with the more ah shi points. If the pain is bilateral, needle bilaterally.
- Neck pain (bone spur): Wanshunyi (T 22.08), Wanshuner (T 22.09), Huochuan (T 33.04), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Sizhi (T 77.20), Minghuang (T 88.12), Qihuang (T 88.14), Guciyi (T 44.21)*, Gucier (T 44.22)*, Gucisan (T 44.23)*, Huofu (T 88.41)*, Huoliang (T 88.42)*, Huochang (T 88.43)*, Sojingdian (T 22.19)*
- Neck stiffness and pain, fallen pillow syndrome: Zhengjin (T 77.01), Zhengzong (T 77.02), Zhengshi (T 77.03), Renhuang (T 77.21), Wanshunyi (T 22.08), Wanshuner (T 22.09), Sojingdian (T 22.19)*, Huosan (T 66.12), Qihu (T 77.26), Waisanguan (T 77.27), Sanlinger (T 88.49)*, Sizhi (T 77.20), Xinxi (T 11.09), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Yanglao (SI 6), Zongshu (T 1010.07)
- Shoulder pain: Tianhuang (T 88.13), Waisanguan (T 77.27), Fanhoujue (T 22.12)*, Renzong (T 44.08), Dizong (T 44.09), Tianzong (T 44.10)
- Frozen shoulder: Linggu (T 22.05), Dabai (T 22.04), Fanhoujue (T 22.12)*, Tianhuangfu [Shenguan] (T 77.18), Minghuang (T 88.12), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Qihuang (T 88.14), Quchi (LI 11), Xiyan, Huantiao (GB 30), Renhuang (T 77.21), Sihuashang (T 77.08), Waisanguan (T 77.27), Sizhi (T 77.20), ah shi points around the second metacarpal phalangeal joint, Baguansan (T 11.30)*, Baguansi (T 11.31)*. Bleed the affected area with cupping. Bleed before needling for best result.
- Shoulder pain: Tianhuang (T 88.13), Waisanguan (T 77.27), Fanhoujue (T 22.12)*, Renzong (T 44.08), Dizong (T 44.09), Tianzong (T 44.10), Jinqianshang (T 88.24), Jinqianxia (T 88.23), Zuwujin (T 77.25)
- Scapular pain, interscapular pain: Chongzi (T 22.01), Chongxian (T 22.02), Fanhoujue (T 22.12)*, Xinxi (T 11.09), Tianhuangfu [shenguan] (T 77.18). Bleed the lateral malleolus, Chengshan (BL 57), Weizhong (BL 40) or dark veins nearby.
- Neck stiffness and pain, fallen pillow syndrome:
- Houxi (SI 3), Shugu (BL 65). Leave needles in for 15 minutes.
- Hegu (LI 4), Shousanli (LI 10), Jianliao (TH 14), Chize (LU 5), Waiguan (TH 5), Quchi (LI 11), Fengchi (GB 20), Dazhui (GV 14)
- Source 6 : Tianzhu (BL 10), Houxi (SI 3), Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TH 14), Jianqian
- Source 13 : Fengchi (GB 20), Yamen (GV 15), Dazhui (GV 14)
- Source 16 : Xuanzhong (GB 39), Houxi (SI 3), Fengchi (GB 20), Chengshan (BL 57), Jiquan (HT 1), Neiguan (PC 6), Waiguan (TH 5), Yanglao (SI 6), Houxi (SI 3) Tianzhu (BL 10), Dazhui (GV 14), Fengfu (GV 16), Chengjiang (CV 24), Renzhong (GV 26), Tianliao (TH 15), Jianliao (TH 14), Shangxing (GV 23), Hegu (LI 4)
- Source 18 : Fengchi (GB 20), Jianjing (GB 21), Tianzong (SI 11), Lieque (LU 7), Kunlun (BL 60), Houxi (SI 3), Xuanzhong (GB 39)
- Source 31: Chengjiang (CV 24), Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4)
- Source 29 :
- Benshen (GB 13), Tongtian (T 88.03), Qiangjian (GV 18), Fengfu (GV 16), Yamen (GV 15), Tianzhu (BL 10), Fengchi (GB 20), Yinjiao (GV 28), Tianchong (GB 9), Taodao (GV 13), Waiqiu (GB 36), Yuzhen (BL 9).
- Tianrong (SI 17), Qiangu (SI 2), Jiaosun (TH 20), Wangu (GB 12), Zhizheng (SI 7), Shaoze (SI 1), Houxi (SI 3), Yanggu (SI 5), Kunlun (BL 60), Xiaohai (SI 8), Zanzhu (BL 2)
- Scapular pain, interscapular pain:
- Jugu (LI 16), Yongquan (KI 1), Quepen (ST 12), Shendao (GV 11), Dashu (BL 11), Tiantu (CV 22), Renzhong (GV 26), Jugu (LI 16), Yixi (BL 45), Geshu (BL 17), Jingmen (GB 25), Chize (LU 5), Lieque (LU 7), Jianyu (LI 15), Gaohuangshu (BL 43). Moxa Tianzhu (BL 10)
- Fengmen (BL 12), Jianjing (GB 21), Zhongzhu (TH 3), Zhigou (TH 6), Houxi (SI 3), Wangu (GB 12), Weizhong (BL 40), Erjian (Ex-HN6), Kunlun (BL 60), Feishu (BL 13), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Zhouliao (LI 12), Tianjing (TH 10), Shangyang (LI 1), Tianchong (GB 9)
- Jianzhen (SI 9), Bingfeng (SI 12), Jianwaishu (SI 14), Jianzhongshu (SI 15), Jianyu (LI 15), Jugu (LI 16), Jianjing (GB 21), Shaohai (HT 3), Taiyuan (LU 9), Yemen (TH 2), Shenmen (HT 7), Shaoze (SI 1), Zhigou (TH 6), Houxi (SI 3), Dashu (BL 11)
- Shoulder pain:
- Source 12 : Sizhukong (TH 23), Yingxiang (LI 20), Hegu (LI 4), Houxi (SI 3), Tinggong (SI 19)
- Source 10 : Jianyu (LI 15), Jianzhen (SI 9), Tianzong (SI 11)
- Anterior : Jianyu (LI 15), Tianfu (LU 3), Chize (LU 5), Hegu (LI 4), Tiaokou (ST 38)
- Medial : Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TH 14), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Naoshu (SI 10), Binao (LI 14), Zhongzhu (TH 3), Yanglao (SI 6), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Shousanli (LI 10) ; deep insertion from Tiaokou (ST 38) to Chengshan (BL 57)
- Posterior : Jianyu (LI 15), Jianzhen (SI 9), Tianzong (SI 11), Zhouliao (LI 12), Yanglao (SI 6)
- Source 13 : Zhongzhu (TH 3), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Jianliao (TH 14), Jianyu (LI 15), Jianzhen (SI 9), Jianqian (Ex-UE13), Tiaokou (ST 38), Shousanli (LI 10), Tianding (LI 17), Tianzhu (BL 10), Waiguan (TH 5), ashi point
- Source 16 : Jianliao (TH 14), Jianyu (LI 15), Jianzhen (SI 9), Binao (LI 14), Tiaokou (ST 38), Chengshan (BL 57), Tianjing (TH 10), Jianjing (GB 21), Jianwaishu (SI 14), Bingfeng (SI 12), Futu (ST 32), Chize (LU 5), Quchi (LI 11), Quze (PC 3)
- Source 18 : Jianyu (LI 15), ianqian (Ex-UE13), Jianzhen (SI 9), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TH 5), Tiaokou (ST 38), Chengshan (BL 57), Houxi (SI 3)
- Source 21 : Jianyu (LI 15), Jianjing (GB 21), Quchi (LI 11), Tianjing (TH 10), Zhongzhu (TH 3), Zhigou (TH 6), Houxi (SI 3), Wangu (GB 12), Weizhong (BL 40)
- Source 23 : Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Shousanli (LI 10), Hegu (LI 4), Quze (PC 3), Jianshi (PC 5), Zhongzhu (TH 3), Zhizheng (SI 7), Wangu (GB 12), Houxi (SI 3), Dashu (BL 11), Jianzhongshu (SI 15), Jianwaishu (SI 14), Jianjing (GB 21), Jianzhen (SI 9) , Binao (LI 14), Jugu (LI 16)
- Source 27 :
- Pohu (BL 42), Shentang (BL 44), Quepen (ST 12), Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TH 14), Yangchi (TH 4), Yanggu (SI 5), Yanglao (SI 6), Tianjing (TH 10), Quchi (LI 11), Jugu (LI 16), Tianzhu (BL 10), Ganshu (BL 18), Yunmen (LU 2), Jianzhen (SI 9), Lieque (LU 7), Hegu (LI 4).
- Chize (LU 5), Taiyuan (LU 9), Houxi (SI 3), Xiaohai (SI 8), Jianjing (GB 21), Fengchi (GB 20), Huantiao (GB 30), Baihuanshu (BL 30), Guanyuanshu (BL 26), Fengmen (BL 12), Tianliao (TH 15), Jianliao (TH 14), Jugu (LI 16), Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Gaohuangshu (BL 43)
- Fengchi (GB 20), Jianwaishu (SI 14), Jianliao (TH 14), Tianliao (TH 15), Jugu (LI 16), Jianyu (LI 15), Binao (LI 14), Bingfeng (SI 12), Tianchong (GB 9), Naohui (TH 13), Naoshu (SI 10), Jianzhen (SI 9), Quchi (LI 11), Chize (LU 5), Tianjing (TH 10), Xiaohai (SI 8), Shaohai (HT 3), Quze (PC 3), Zhizheng (SI 7), Lieque (LU 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Waiguan (TH 5), Hegu (LI 4), Houxi (SI 3)
- Source 29 : Quepen (ST 12), Shendao (GV 11), Dashu (BL 11), Tiantu (CV 22), Shuidao (ST 28), Jugu (LI 16), Geshu (BL 17), Yixi (BL 45), Jingmen (GB 25), Chize (LU 5).
- Frozen shoulder:
- Source 23 : Jianjing (GB 21), Jianyu (LI 15), Yunmen (LU 2), Naoshu (SI 10), ashi points.
- Source 27 : Jianjing (GB 21), Jianwaishu (SI 14), Jianyu (LI 15), Tianjing (TH 10), Quchi (LI 11), Yanggu (SI 5), Guanchong (TH 1), Jianzhen (SI 9), Guanyuan (CV 4), Yunmen (LU 2), Zhongfu (LU 1), Tianfu (LU 3), Xiabai (LU 4), Taiyuan (LU 9), Lieque (LU 7), Feishu (BL 13), Pohu (BL 42)
- Source 29 : Jianzhen (SI 9), Guanchong (TH 1), Jianyu (LI 15), Tiaokou (ST 38), ashi points.
- Neck pain: Cervical Vertebrae, Neck, Shoulder, Shoulder Blades, Kidney. Embed ear seeds and instruct the patient to massage the points three to four times daily for two minutes each time. Switch ears every five days. Five treatments equal one course.
- Frozen shoulder: Shoulder, Shoulder Joint, Adrenal Gland; or Shoulder, Clavicle, Adrenal Gland, Liver, Spleen, Subcortex.
- Torticollis or fallen pillow syndrome: Neck, Cervical Vertebrae and all the tender points around the area. Strong stimulation for 60 minutes. Needle once a day. Most patients will experience relief once the needles are inserted. If the pain is along the Liver and Gallbladder channels, needle Liver and Gallbladder as well. Similarly, if the pain is on the taiyang Urinary Bladder or Small Intestine channel, needle the corresponding points accordingly.
- Neck pain, acute sprain, contusion, fallen pillow syndrome: Occiput, Lesser Occipital Nerve, Large Auricular Nerve, Shenmen, Neck, Triangle Area of Cervical Vertebra on the front and back of the ear. Bleed Ear Apex.
- Periarthritis of shoulder: Shoulder, Shoulder Joint, Clavicle, Large Auricular Nerve. Bleed Ear Apex.
- For pain of the shoulder upon abduction, use Clavicle, Shoulder (front and back of ear), Three Shoulder Point, Arm Pit.
- For anterior shoulder pain, use Shoulder Joint (front of ear), Coronary Vascular Subcortex, Three Shoulder Point, Large Auricular Nerve.
- For posterior shoulder pain, use Three Shoulder Points, Clavicle, Three Shoulder Point, Large Auricular Nerve.
Important! The information is intended as a reference for professional TCM practitioners. It's important to recognize that a single symptom may point to multiple potential diagnoses, and a specific diagnosis can require different treatment protocols due to varying clinical presentations and underlying causes. Informed professional judgment and careful evaluation must be exercised prior to recommending any treatment protocols to patients.