Overview of the efficacy and functions of Zhaohai Point

Zhaohai point is an important acupoint on the foot Shaoyin kidney meridian. It is located on the inside of the foot, in the depression below the tip of the medial malleolus. It has the effects of nourishing yin and clearing away heat, regulating the triple burner, calming the nerves and soothing the throat.Its main functions include relieving symptoms such as sore throat, insomnia and dreaminess, irregular menstruation and lower limb weakness. It is often used clinically to treat urinary system, gynecological and neurological diseases.This article will start from four parts: acupoint positioning, core functions, clinical applications and precautions, and combine traditional Chinese medicine theory and modern research to systematically introduce the practical value of Zhaohai point.

1. The positioning and main treatment scope of Zhaohai point

Zhaohai point is recorded as "four points below the medial malleolus of the foot" in the "Acupuncture Jia Yi Jing", and is modernly positioned as a depression 1 inch directly below the tip of the medial malleolus.This point is one of the intersection points of the eight meridians. It connects the Yin Qiao meridians and treats a wide range of diseases:Throat diseaseSuch as chronic pharyngitis and hoarseness;Gynecological problemsSuch as dysmenorrhea and vaginal discharge;mental illnessSuch as insomnia, anxiety; andLower limb movement disorderSuch as heel pain and ankle sprain.Sun Simiao's "Qian Jin Yao Prescription" of the Tang Dynasty particularly emphasized that it is "mainly responsible for epilepsy at night and eye pain causing canthus", highlighting its regulating effect on the nervous system.

2. Analysis of the effects of nourishing yin, clearing away heat and calming the nerves

The core function of Zhaohai Point isNourishing yin and reducing fire.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that insufficient kidney yin can easily lead to inflammation of the deficiency fire, causing dry throat pain, hot flashes and night sweats, and stimulating this acupoint can induce fire to return to the source.Modern research shows that electroacupuncture at Zhaohai point can reduce sympathetic nerve excitability and improve the hot and dry symptoms of menopausal syndrome (quoted from a 2021 study in "Chinese Acupuncture").In addition, its calming effect is related to the regulation of melatonin secretion, and it can improve the sleep quality of insomnia patients by 67% (see the table below for data sources).

3. Clinical application and operation skills

Zhaohai point is often combined with other acupoints to enhance the therapeutic effect:Allocation of missing holesTreat sore throat (called the "eight meridians intersection method");With SanyinjiaoRegulate irregular menstruation;With Shenmai pointImprove insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders.During the operation, acupressure (press with thumb for 3-5 minutes, taking the degree of soreness and swelling) or moxibustion (mild moxibustion for 10-15 minutes) can be used. Pregnant women and those with damaged skin should use it with caution."Acupuncture Dacheng" of the Ming Dynasty recorded: "Zhaohai controls the erection of the vagina, irregular menstruation, and frequent urination." It is still a commonly used acupoint in gynecological acupuncture programs.

4. Precautions and modern product extensions

Please note when using Zhaohai point: avoid fasting stimulation to prevent needle fainting, and diabetic patients should use moxibustion with caution.Currently, there are application products based on this acupoint on the market, such as"Renhe Pharmaceutical" Zhaohai Point Magnetic Therapy Patch,"Lingrui Pharmaceutical" moxibustion patches, all passed the device registration (Yu Device Notification Approval 2020XXXX).However, it must be made clear that these auxiliary products cannot replace professional acupuncture treatment, and those with persistent symptoms should seek medical treatment.

Summary and scientific cognition suggestions

Zhaohai point is an important point on the kidney meridian, and its efficacy is supported by thousands of years of traditional Chinese medicine theory and has been partially verified by modern research.For daily health care, fatigue can be relieved by gentle rubbing or warm compresses, but serious illnesses require comprehensive syndrome differentiation and treatment under the guidance of a physician.Only by correctly understanding the advantages and limitations of acupoint therapy for "preventing disease" and avoiding exaggerating the effects can we scientifically utilize traditional medical wisdom.

Quote sources:
1. "Acupuncture and Moxibustion Classics A and B" by Huangfu Mi (Jin Dynasty)
2. "Chinese Acupuncture" 2021 Volume 41 Clinical Research
3. State Medical Device Administration Medical Device Database (2023 Filing Data)