Korean Acupuncture (K-Acupuncture) [Part 11] How the ‘Central Element’ Determines Acupoint Selection

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 CALee Acupuncture

CALee Acupuncture - Korean Acupuncture (K-Acupuncture) [Part 11] How the ‘Central Element’ Determines Acupoint Selection


Modern Korean Acupuncture (K-Acupuncture) [Part 11] How the ‘Central Element’ Determines Acupoint Selection : The Logic Behind Eight-Constitution Acupuncture

In Part 10, we explored the concept of the Central Element (中心五行)—the theoretical core of this approach.

Today, we’ll dive into how this principle is practically applied in selecting acupoints for each constitution and examine how this method differs from traditional acupuncture systems.

Logic of Acupoint Selection in Primary Prescriptions (基本方)

Adjusting According to the Constitution’s ‘Central Element’

The Primary Prescription aims to correct the innate imbalance of organ strength and weakness specific to each constitution.
 The selection of acupoints is based on the Fire-centered Five Element balancing principle, which acts as the constitutional default across all types.

Example: Geum-Yang Type (金陽體質, Taeyangin)

  • Innate imbalance: Strong Lung (Metal), Weak Liver (Wood)

  • Central Element: Fire-centered balance

  • Acupoint logic:

    • Sedate (瀉) the excessive Metal (Lung) energy

    • Tonify (補) the deficient Wood (Liver) energy

    • Use Water meridian points (Kidney, Bladder) to reduce Metal energy

    • Use Wood meridian points (Liver, Gallbladder) to support Liver function

Example: Su-Yang Type (水陽體質, Soeumin)

  • Innate imbalance: Strong Kidney (Water), Weak Spleen (Earth)

  • Central Element: Fire-centered balance

  • Acupoint logic:

Forbidden Sedation Points According to Central Element Theory

Certain acupoints are excluded from sedation (瀉) based on Five Element dynamics to prevent aggravation of internal imbalances.

Constitution

Forbidden Points (Sedation Omitted)

Reason

Taeyang 1, 2

Water-Water points (KI, BL)

To prevent Water from over-controlling Metal (Lung)

Soyang 1, 2

Metal-Metal points (LU, LI)

To avoid harm to Earth (Spleen) via Metal overactivity

Taeum 1

Earth-Earth points (SP, ST)

Prevent strengthening of already strong Liver (Wood)

Taeum 2

Fire-Fire points (HT, SI)

Prevent issues from excessive Fire sedation

Soeum 1

Fire-Fire points (HT, SI)

To avoid depletion of Earth (Spleen) energy

Soeum 2

Wood-Wood points (LR, GB)

To prevent Wood from over-controlling Water (Kidney)

These rules show how deeply Central Element logic influences which points to avoid, not just which to use.

Logic of Acupoint Selection in Secondary Prescriptions (腑方)

Flexible Shift of the ‘Central Element’

Secondary Prescriptions (Bu-bang) focus on quickly relieving specific symptoms or diseases.
 Here, the Central Element is no longer fixed—it shifts depending on the condition at hand.

For example, even a Taeyangin (Geum-Yang type) may temporarily adopt a Metal-centered approach to address large intestine issues, choosing acupoints accordingly.

This flexible framework is like using different maps based on one’s current location and destination.

Link to the Nan Jing and the Uniqueness of Eight-Constitution Theory

Eight-Constitution Acupuncture draws inspiration from Difficulty 75 (第七十五難) of the Classic of Difficult Issues (難經), which explains the Five Element tonification-sedation method:

"Tonify the mother when deficient (虛則補其母); sedate the child when excessive (實則瀉其子)."

However, Eight-Constitution theory goes beyond this rule by embedding it within the Central Element framework—
 restructuring the order of tonification and sedation and the direction of energy flow uniquely.

Example:

In the case of Liver excess (木實), instead of simply following Saam acupuncture,
 Eight-Constitution Acupuncture uses a sequence like:

Water → Fire → Metal,
 to apply sedation or tonification in accordance with Central Element logic.

Dr. Kwon Do-Won emphasized that Saam’s system lacks the Central Element perspective,
 which is why some of his acupoint logic seems obscure to outsiders.
 This highlights the distinctiveness and depth of the Eight-Constitution system.

Key Principle of Tonification and Sedation

“To tonify myself, sedate my Controller (官) and tonify my Mother (母).”
 “To sedate myself, tonify my Controller and sedate my Child (子).”

Where:

  • Controller (官): The element that controls me (Ke cycle)

  • Mother (母): The element that generates me (Sheng cycle)

  • Child (子): The element I generate (Sheng cycle)

This principle captures the life-like, energetic exchange within the Five Elements.
 Studies show that control-based sedation is 1.6–2 times more effective than support-based tonification alone.

Conclusion: The ‘Central Element’ Is the Core Wisdom of Eight-Constitution Acupuncture

Eight-Constitution Acupuncture is far more than a system of adjusting organ strength.
 It embodies a deep understanding of each constitution’s unique Central Element, and the ability to:

  • Adapt the Central Element flexibly based on the patient’s current symptoms

  • Select acupoints strategically for optimal effect

This insight into dynamic energy flow and constitutional adaptation explains the powerful clinical outcomes and the personalized nature of this approach.

📌 Important Note
 This article is for educational and theoretical purposes only.
 Self-treatment without proper diagnosis can be dangerous.

Coming Next

The following is the final part of the Modern Korean Acupuncture series, exploring dialectical reasoning — the fundamental principle underlying acupuncture.
Location: Fullerton, CA, USA

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