TCM vs Japanese points

[Nicole Bussiere]

Is there ever a time where you would needle BOTH the TCM and Japanese points on a meridian?
For example, HT7. In TCM it seems it is for general emotional disturbance. The JpHT7 is for emotional disturbance affecting GI tract. What if the patient has both? Would you needle both the JpHT7 and TCM HT7? If not, how do you choose which?
Thanks!

[Allison Bailey]

Hi Nicole.
You would only choose one. In the example you gave, if the emotional disturbance is affecting the GI tract and that is a major complaint of the patient, I would go with that. Often we choose the point based on which one better releases the relevant reflex. PC3 is a good example of this. I usually check both the TCM and Japanese points and see which is more effective at relieving the pressure pain at PC8 (the fire point), since PC3 is the water point. (You will get a Metal Water point lecture soon!)

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