Zusanli (ST 36)

bbsadmin

Dear Dr. King,
In practicing my needling in Course D, I have realized that Zusanli (He-Sea Point and Lower He-Sea Point of the Stomach, ST 36) did not have a depth of needle insertion mentioned, and in research on the Course C web site study guide, it is missing there as well.
(Method: Insert the needle perpendicularly,)
I have been inserting at .3-.5 cun deep, but I want to be sure, and get the correct depth of insertion from you.
_________________
"When you do something, you should burn yourself completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself"
Shunryu Suzuki

tutor

Dear Professor Price,
I think that

tutor

Dear Professor Price,
So sorry for the incomplete answer sent previously, it was submitted all by mistake.
Now the answer to your question.
It IS the printing mistake for the lack of the inserting depth of point Zusanli (ST 36), so I will correct it as soon as possible.
In clinic, the point is needled for 1 to 1.5 cun, or even deeper, since it is pretty safe. Personally I think it's all up to the need of the needling sensation and the body build of the patients'.
Generally speaking, the points on the arms and legs are pretty safe, so they can be needled deeper, so the depth of 1 to 1.5 cun would be alright, I mean for Chinese patients. While for the European and American patients, you should do it according to their reaction, for they are more sensitive than Chinese patients.
That's my personal understanding and you can find your own experience.