Master Tung's Acupuncture Points & Myofascial Anatomy
Master Tung's acupuncture points are known to work quickly and effectively for a variety of disorders.
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While many of these points have unique locations, there is a lot of overlap with the standard TCM points. If we compare TCM points and Tung's points we can arrive at some interesting conclusions. Furthermore, by studying myofascial anatomy we can come to understand more about the functions of points in general.
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Take for instance the points 77.01 - 77.04 located directly on the achilles tendon. These points treat problems in the bladder meridian and along the neck, back, and spine. They also treat occipital headaches and disorders of the brain.
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77.01 - 77.04
Straight Tendon
Straight Ancestor
Straight Scholar
Catching Ball
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Myofascial Connections in Master Tung's Acupuncture
This image shows what is known as the Superfical Back Line (SBL) in myofascial anatomy. It essentially follows the same course as the urinary bladder meridian, but clearly defines how specific muscles on this line share structural and functional relationships.
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This image is based on the research of Tom Myers in his book Anatomy Trains.
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Through myofascial anatomy, we can gain a deeper understanding of how points work. We can also increase our knowledge of how meridians and myofascial lines relate to structural, organic, and functional disorders. All of this can be integrated with the classical approaches of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
There is an anatomical basis for how Master Tung's acupuncture points on the achilles tendon can work on the occiput, neck, and spine.
learn Master Tung's points Fast
And increase your understanding of myofascial anatomy.
The Four Flowers: 77.08, 77.09, 77.11
The Four Flowers are some of Master Tung's points that are similar to ST 36 and ST 37. The first point 77.08 is just medial to ST 36 and located on the edge of the tibia, in a space between the muscle and bone.
There are abundant connective tissues in this region, and by palpating down the edge of the tibia you will usually find nodules and tender areas. Needling the Four Flowers rather than points like ST 36 and ST 37 often yields stronger results.
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Similar to the points in the achilles tendon, this is another Master Tung point group that gives powerful results by needling into areas with dense connective tissues and fascia.
The Stomach Meridian and Superficial Front Line (SFL)
Notice in the above image that the Superfical Front Line (SFL) looks a lot like the ST meridian. By learning myofascial anatomy we can clearly define what muscles are part of a meridian, and how these muscles share similar structural and functional roles. This relationship between structure and function helps us to better understand not only point anatomy, but also how and why acupuncture points function the way they do.
If you want to master point functions, from different systems like TCM and Tung's points, myofascial anatomy is the answer. Forget memorizing endless point actions.
Learn myofascial anatomy to comprehend the essence of point energetics and indications.
Here are some challenges when learning Master Tung's points
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New locations with diverse indications
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Selecting the right points
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Using point combinations and dao ma's effectively
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Mastering needle techniques​
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Integrating Tung's points with TCM methods and other systems
Integrate Myofascial Anatomy with Master Tung's Points and Dr. Tan's Six Systems
to Get a Whole New Command of Point Functions and Clinical Outcomes.
The myofascial lines hold many secrets to understanding the energetics, actions, and locations of Master Tung's powerful acupuncture points.
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Forget memorizing countless indications. Learn the anatomical and myofascial mechanisms for how points work.
Learn how to choose the right point groups when there are numerous to select from.
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For instance, 22.05 & 22.04 (Ling Gu and Da Bai), as well as 22.08 & 22.09 (SI meridian) are both indicated for low back pain and kidney deficiency patterns, as are many other points.
Do you know when to use one point group over the other?
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Tung's Points
Fascial
Planes
Balance
Method
Anatomy
Many of Tung's Points have Similar Indications, but various point groups work in different ways.
With over 20 Tung points on the hands and arm for treating back pain and sciatica, how do you choose the points that will get the best results?
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What do you do if Ling Gu and Da Bai don't work?
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Many of us are using the Balance Method and Dr. Tan's six systems to make these kinds of decisions, and they are incredibly useful.
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However, what do you do if that doesn't work, or how do you narrow down the point selections to find those that will?
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Besides the six systems explanation, do you know why there are so many points on the hands and arms for the back?
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How do you choose the most effective points?
The small intestine meridian is related to the Deep Back Arm Line (DBAL) which is shown in the image.
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Tung points 22.08 and 22.09 are located on the SI meridian and DBAL. These points strongly affect the muscles shown in the image.
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The rhomboids and levator scapulae are part of this fascial line, and connect to the spine, UB meridian, and superficial back line.
This explains the tai yang relationship between the SI and UB meridians. With this, we can better understand how points like SI 3, 22.08, and 22.09 can treat back and lumbar pain, kidney pattern headaches, and knee pain.
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The points Ling Gu and Da Bai (22.05, 22.04) have similar functions as 22.08 and 22.09, but are on a different fascial line and therefore have a different mechanism of action.
While we can use the six systems to make distinctions between groups of points, the fascial plane perspective gives us additional insights based on anatomy and myofascial dynamics.
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The tai yang channels join where the rhomboids and levator scapulae attach to the spine.
"I studied and practiced Tung's points for 6 years, and after I learned about the fascial plane model, my knowledge and clinical results improved dramatically."
The course Master Tung's Points and Fascial Planes will give you ever greater insights into the locations, actions, and indications of these vital points.
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Whether you're at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level, this course will give you the tools and knowledge to improve your clinical results. The course includes:
In-depth coverage of over 50 points
6 PDF files on each of the fascial planes
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5 hours of audio recordings
​5 hours of video
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Immediate access to files
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Email support
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Approved by the NCCAOM for 12 PDA's / Continuing Eduction Units
Master Tung's Points and Fascial Planes Training Course
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Testimonials
"As an acupuncturist I feel fortunate to live at a time where Chinese medical knowledge is widely available but even so, the practical use of this knowledge is often obscure. For myself the Master Tung system is one of these puzzles. I was pleasantly surprised that Jim’s Master Tung Fascia Course wasn’t just another paint by numbers Tung style course, but presented progressive ideas of fascial planes, anatomy and channel theory that help explain Tung point indications. Through this Jim’s course has helped me get beyond memorizing points for symptoms to a deeper layer of clinical reasoning behind the Tung points. The format was better than expected with well-paced knowledgeable audio files (no rambling on) that referred appropriately to the relevant visually rich slides"
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- Paul Burns, Registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner, AUSTRALIA
This material has really improved my treatments. I have been getting faster, more consistent results because I have a much better framework of how and when to use particular Dao Mas and how to use them in combinations for even better results. I have listened to the recordings multiple times and feel like I get some new nugget each time. This material is so useful, particularly in a community acupuncture clinic where treatment strategies need to be easy to administer and precise. Thank you so much Jim! I just bought the next course for internal medicine as well!
- Sarah Street, Sol Centered Community Acupuncture, Colorado
"I have been practicing Master Tung's points and Dr.Tan’s Local & Global balance method for the last 2 years. After I enrolled in Master Tung's Points and Fascial Planes course by James Spears, I was introduced to a completely new dimension of acupuncture, and news ways to look at my practice. This course has not only improved my understanding of anatomy, but considering fascial planes is giving me additional insights to connective tissue dynamics (which is also helpful for needling depths estimation). My clinical outcome has been quickly improving since taking this course and hopefully will improve even more with time.
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An example of practicing with my new understanding using Fascial Planes. It is well known that while LU channel alone can clear the BL channel, however for Thoracic pain on UB around & behind Scapular area 22.08 & 22.09 worked excellently because of the relationship of the Deep Fascial Line which lies on SI channel."
- Ismail Ratlamwala, Mumbai, India
"After years of searching for a practical understanding of the mechanism behind the use of distal points, I stumbled upon the work of James Spears.
Inspired by the work of Thomas Myers and his book Anatomy Trains, Dr. Spears has married the functionality of the points of the Tung System and Balance Method with the physical form of the fascial planes.
With this clearly explained, the practitioner gains the ability to plan with greater precision in order to achieve the intended result.
Dr. Spears has provided a portal of understanding and clarity into patterns of injury and dysfunction and how our needles can best address them. This has given a literal new dimension to treatment planning and application that is very satisfying and produces more effective results.
Furthermore, Dr. Spears provides an easy-to-follow model for diagnosis and choosing the most effective points. With this information, I didnt walk away with the feeling that "something was missing." There is no mystery here.
I think this information is absolutely essential for practitioners who want to take their diagnostic skills and treatment results to the next level."
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- Beth Jones Lic. Ac.