四縫 : Sifeng : Four Seams

Location:

On the palmar surface of the hand, at the midpoints of the transverse creases of the prximal interphalangeal joints of the index, middle and ring fingers. If two creases are found it is on the ones most prominent on flexion of the joints.

Needling:

Prick to bleed, or prick and squeeze until a yellow-white liquid appears.

TCM Actions:

Fortifies the Spleen and dissipates accumulation.

TCM Indications:

• Childhood nutritional impairment, childhood accumulation disorder, childhood diarrhoea, whooping cough.

Neuroanatomy:

Superficial Innervation: Median (index and middle fingers and half of ring finger) and ulnar (little finger and other half of ring finger) from C6 - T1

Dermatome Segment: C6 - T1

Martial Applications & Effects of Injury:

See Montaigue, Dim Mak Locations, Taijiworld.com for explanation of effects.

Notes:

Used for a wide range of childhood digestive disorders.

In Thai massage:
Acupressure points. The ones on the little and ring fingers are indicated for ear ailments. (Salguero & Roylance, 2011, Encyclopedia of Thai Massage)

Reference Notes:

Basic information on location, needle depth, TCM actions, indications and combinations is taken from Deadman et al (2001): A Manual of Acupuncture with additional anatomical information researched by reference to Gray's Anatomy (38th Ed., 1995) unless otherwise referenced. Images were found on acupunctureschoolonline.com and can be traced back to Claudia Focks (2008) Atlas of Acupuncture originally. I cannot claim any credit or rights over them. Other sources should be quoted in the text.

For some of the more unusual terms I have created a glossary here