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The Ba Liao or "Eight Liao" acupuncture points ... a discussion

16/8/2015

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The eight ‘Liao’ acupuncture points are comprised of Shang Liao BL 31, Ci Liao BL 32, Zhong Liao BL 33 & Xia Liao BL 34. The ‘Ba Liao’ (eight liao) acupuncture points are renowned for their therapeutic effects on the lower pelvic region and its contents. This includes the colon, bladder, uterus & ovaries.

If we observe the classical Chinese character that depicts the concept of ‘Liao’ we find that it is drawn as wings, skeleton & flesh. What we can gather from this depiction is that ‘Liao’ truly depicts the posterior aspect of the pelvic girdle, including the sacrum & iliac crests. The picture of the ‘skeletal wings’ relates very strongly to the pelvis and its ability to give both strength, flexibility, balance and structure to both the hips and the body as a whole.

The classical acupuncturists of times past were amazingly aware and intuitive in their observations of the interactions between the ‘heavens’, ‘earth’ & ‘mans’ place between. As previously stated the ‘Ba Liao’ acupuncture points are well known both from a classical acupuncture perspective and a more modern TCM view point for their ability to regulate the contents of the ‘lower jiao’ or lower pelvic region. For example, in the famous acupuncture text “Thousand Ducat Formulas” written by the Master acupuncturist Sun Si-Miao in 652 AD, it states to Moxabustion all eight of the Liao points (4 bi-laterally) in cases of difficult urination & defecation.

For me it is fascinating to see that if we observe the parasympathetic neurons that emerge from the location of the eight Liao acupuncture points being the region of the sacral foramina, we find that these neurons innervate the descending colon, rectum, urinary bladder & reproductive/genital organs. These nerve fibres are both efferent and afferent, thus they relay information to & from the Central Nervous System (CNS). By no means am I stating that through using the Ba Liao acupuncture points and inducing a therapeutic effect (i.e. on maladies affecting the lower abdominal cavity) works solely via the nervous system to induce a therapeutic effect. I believe and experience in my own clinical acupuncture practice that acupuncture and engagement of the acupuncture points/meridians effects the ‘whole’ individual & cannot be reduced to ‘operating’ or ‘engaging’ just one system i.e. nervous system. However, to me this relationship expressed above gives me further insight into the immense depth of understanding the classical acupuncturists possessed & it is certainly interesting nevertheless.

Through my own clinical experience I find that using acupuncture and Moxabustion on the Ba Liao points has a great effect in the treatment of OBGYN conditions, stress/anxiety, as well as issues with the lower limbs.

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions you may have & be sure to join our mailing list for exclusive content.

Warm Regards,

Giancarlo Nerini – Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Safety Beach)


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    Giancarlo Nerini 

    The intention behind this blog is to share ideas, thoughts, and articles relating to acupuncture, health, 
    and self-preservation techniques. Enjoy.

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