22.01 & 22.02 (Chong Zi & Chong Xian)
These points are located on the palmar side of the hand and along the thenar eminence. The point 22.01 is one cun proximal to the fold of the skin between the thumb and index finger. Chong xian is one cun proximal to the first point, or opposite of Ling Gu (22.05).
These points should be used together as a dao ma and treat neck and upper back pain, respiratory disorders, pneumonia, asthma, and external invasions.
While these points are highly effective, care should be used when using them as they are highly sensitive. For this reason I usually don't use them for new patients. There are other point groups on the lung meridian that have similar functions but are less painful to needle. I typically only use these points for severe patterns and pain, and when I have already used other points and developed trust with the patient. Using them on highly sensitive new clients is not recommended.
22.01 & 22.02
Chong zi and Chong xian are effective for cervical and upper thoracic pain in the bladder meridian. They are some of the top points to use when pain is in the area of C5 - T1. They may also be used for pain in the upper thoracic region, but typically ashi points between LU 6 and LU 7 are preferable when the pain below T1.
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If thoracic pain originates from cervical problems, 22.01 & 22.02 can be used, but for thoracic pain without cervical involvement the Three Scholars (33.13, 33.14, 33.15) should be used.
22.01 & 22.02 for the Neck, Shoulders, and Upper Back
We can see from the image that the region of 22.01 and 22.02 is innervated by the median nerve originating from T1. This helps explain why these points are effective for lower cervical and upper thoracic pain. The image entitled arm nerves also shows the radial nerve moving through the area of the hand, but the radial nerve moves through the yang (dorsal) side of the hand.
The abductor pollicis brevis muscle is innervated by the median nerve (T1).
The thenar muscles are part of the Deep Front Arm Line and influence pectoralis minor, and the deep fascia between the clavicle and pectoral region. This likely plays a role in these points ability to benefit some lung disorders.
While these points are often very effective for treating conditions effecting the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae, they are quite painful to needle. For this reason I tend to use them in later stages of the treatment process.
The points on the achilles tendon 77.01, 77.02, and 77.03 are also effective for neck pain but get to the deeper levels of the myofascia in the neck. The achilles tendon points are much less painful.
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When needling 22.01 and 22.02 use a 38 gauge needle or smaller. I rarely needle these points on first time patients, as the intensity of them may put some people off from receiving additional treatments. For patients that are extremely needle sensitive I don't typically use these points. Since 77.01 - 77.03 also get to the deep structures of the neck, they are a good substitute and needle sensitive clients do well with the achilles points.
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For clients who are not needle sensitive, obese, respond slow, or are unresponsive to acupuncture, these points can be effective choices for neck, cervical, and lung disorders. I also prefer these points for severe external invasions, fevers, colds, bacterial and viral infections of the lungs. To be effective for acute respiratory conditions it is best to needle them at the earliest onset of symptoms.
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For chronic and difficult to treat lung conditions these points can be effective, but I tend to start with more proximal points.
Points like LU 7, 33.13 - 33.15, LI 4, Ling Gu, ST 36, and the Four Flowers are also effective for lung patterns, and I often find it best to start with these, and only needle 22.01 & 22.02 when absolutely necessary.
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