The Jing-Well points

The Jing-Well points: the source of the meridian at the nails

The Jing-Well points — called Jing points in Chinese, meaning "source" or "well" — are the first of the five Shu Antique points on every meridian. They are located at the lower corners of the fingernails and toenails: the most peripheral and superficial point of each meridian, where Qi seems to bubble to the surface like water from a spring. Despite their small size, they are therapeutically very powerful — and they have three specific functions that make them indispensable in clinical acupuncture practice.

Location and character

Each of the twelve Primary meridians has one Jing-Well point, located at the nail corner of a specific finger or toe. The Lung meridian ends at the thumbnail (Lung 11, Shaoshang); the Heart meridian at the little-finger nail (Heart 9, Shaochong); the Liver meridian at the big-toe nail (Liver 1, Dadun). These points are small, superficial and easy to locate — but their effects reach far.

The Yin meridians have Wood as the element of their Jing-Well point; the Yang meridians have Metal as the element of their Jing-Well point. This difference in elemental quality reflects the different therapeutic applications of Jing-Well points on Yin and Yang meridians.

Function 1: Calming the mind

The Jing-Well points have a direct calming effect on the Shen — the mind that resides in the Heart. In acute mental agitation, insomnia, irritability and restlessness, Jing-Well points can provide rapid relief. This makes them particularly valuable in acute situations in which the mind is agitated or out of balance. The direct connection of the Jing-Well points with the outer layers of the body makes them quickly responsive — therapeutic action occurs faster than with deeper points.

Function 2: Restoring consciousness

One of the most striking applications of Jing-Well points is restoring consciousness in fainting, shock or acute unconsciousness. In classical Chinese first aid, strong needling stimulation or pinching of the Jing-Well points is used to bring a patient back to consciousness. This works because the strong stimulus activates the nervous system and abruptly sets the flow of Qi in the meridians into motion. In modern acupuncture practice, they are used in acute collapse, fainting caused by heat or emotional shock.

Function 3: Distal treatment of the opposite end of the meridian

The third function is based on the principle of distal treatment: a point at one end of a meridian can treat complaints at the other end. The best-known example is LI 1 (Shangyang, on the index finger) of the Large Intestine meridian. The Large Intestine meridian ends at the nose and face. LI 1 is therefore excellent for treating sore throat, nasal problems and toothache — even though the point is located on the hand. This distal action applies to all Jing-Well points: they reach the far-distant opposite end of their meridian.