David Di Acupuncture Blog

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy, is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, you don't have to play tennis to develop it. Repetitive gripping, lifting, typing, manual work, weight training, and other activities that repeatedly load the forearm muscles can all contribute to the condition. In acupuncture treatment for tennis elbow, one point that is frequently considere

CV4, also known as Guanyuan (关元), is one of the most important acupuncture points used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is located on the lower abdomen, along the body’s midline, approximately three finger-widths below the belly button. The name Guanyuan is often translated as “Origin Pass” or “Gate of Origin,” reflecting its traditional role in supporting the body’s foundational energy. In TCM theory, CV4 is closely associated with the Kidney system, Qi, Blood, and

Digestive discomfort can affect much more than your stomach. Bloating, nausea, indigestion, poor appetite, acid reflux, and abdominal tightness may influence your energy, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. One acupuncture point frequently included in treatments for digestive concerns is CV12, also known as Zhongwan, which translates approximately as “Middle Cavity.” Where Is CV12 Located? CV12 is located along the centerline of the upper abdomen, approximately halfway

CV17, also called Danzhong, is an important acupuncture and acupressure point on the Conception Vessel. It is located on the centerline of the breastbone, approximately level with the fourth intercostal space. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, CV17 is known as an influential point for Qi. Practitioners commonly use it to regulate the Qi of the chest, support comfortable breathing, and address sensations such as chest tightness or fullness. It may also be selected when stress o

When the body feels overheated, restless, or overstimulated, traditional Chinese medicine often focuses on bringing energy downward and restoring balance. One acupuncture point commonly used for this purpose is Kidney 1, also known as Yongquan, meaning “Gushing Spring.” Kidney 1 is the first point on the Kidney meridian and the lowest acupuncture point on the body. Because of its location on the sole, it is traditionally used to ground the body, calm the mind, and guide exces

Now that summer is here, many people are starting to feel the effects of heat: fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, headaches, heavy sweating, thirst, or a general feeling of being “overheated.” From a Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, perspective, summer is closely connected with the element of Fire and the Heart system. It is a season of activity, warmth, movement, and expansion-- but when the heat becomes too intense, the body can easily lose its balance. One commonly us

Learn about Yin Tang, the pressure point between the eyebrows, and how gentle acupressure may help support relaxation, stress relief, headaches, and better sleep. What Is Yin Tang? Yin Tang is a well-known acupuncture and acupressure point located between the eyebrows, sometimes called the “third eye.” In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin Tang is often used to help calm the mind, relax facial tension, and support emotional balance. Because of its central location on the foreh

Menstrual health is more than just having a monthly period. For many women, the menstrual cycle can reflect changes in stress, sleep, digestion, energy, mood, circulation, and overall balance. Some women experience m ild discomfort for one or two days, while others may deal with cramping, low back soreness, bloating, headaches, fatigue, mood changes, or irregular cycles. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, menstrual symptoms are often understood as a sign that th

Nausea can show up in many situations—motion sickness, stress, digestive upset, pregnancy, or side effects from medical treatment. When that uncomfortable, queasy feeling starts, many people want something simple they can try right away. One of the most well-known acupressure points for nausea relief is P6 , also called Nei Guan . In Chinese medicine, this point is commonly used to help calm the stomach, regulate digestion, and ease nausea. The best part is that it can be sti

If you’ve been learning about acupressure or acupuncture, you may have come across Kidney 1 and Kidney 3 . Since both points belong to the Kidney meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s easy to assume they do the same thing. But in practice, they are quite different. A simple way to think about it is this: Kidney 1 is more grounding , while Kidney 3 is more nourishing . Where Are They Located? Kidney 1 (KD1) , also called Yongquan , is located on the sole of the

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one of the most common patterns seen in modern patients is called Dampness . Although the term may sound unusual, it describes a group of symptoms that many people experience every day, such as fatigue, brain fog, digestive discomfort, and a heavy feeling in the body. In Western medicine, these symptoms are often treated as separate problems. Someone may be told they have IBS, chronic fatigue, or hormonal imbalance. In TCM, however, thes

A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective on Returning to Rhythm The days after Lunar New Year carry a unique feeling. The celebration is full of food, family, late nights, laughter, travel, and reunion. Then suddenly schedules tighten. Many people feel slightly heavy, unmotivated, foggy, or slow during this period. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, this is not a problem — it is seasonal physiology. It is the body transitioning from Winter’s sto

In Los Angeles, I see this pattern almost every week in the clinic: People come in saying some version of: “I’m anxious all the time.” “My sleep is light — I wake up easily.” “My digestion is off… bloating, IBS-type symptoms, or irregular bowel movements.” “My neck and shoulders are always tight.” At first glance, these seem like separate problems. But in Chinese medicine, they’re understood as one interconnected system . This cluster of symptoms is what I often call the mode

If you’ve ever felt stressed, anxious, or mentally overwhelmed, there’s a simple acupressure point you can use anytime, anywhere—the Yintang pressure point . Yintang is one of the most commonly used points in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), known for its powerful calming and grounding effects. What Is the Yintang Pressure Point? Yintang (印堂) is located between the eyebrows , right at the midpoint where the bridge of the nose meets the forehead. Because of

The PC 7 acupressure point , also known as Daling , is an important point in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to support emotional balance, stress relief, and heart health. Located on the inner wrist, PC 7 is commonly used in acupuncture and acupressure treatments to help calm the nervous system and regulate the mind–body connection. In this article, we’ll explore what PC 7 is , where it’s located , and how it can benefit both mental and physical well-being . What Is t

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the “Kidney” (肾) system is much more than just the two organs you see in anatomy textbooks. It is the root of yin & yang in the body, the storehouse of Jing (essence) , and it influences growth, development, fertility, bones, brain, hearing, and water metabolism. So when we talk about “nourishing the Kidney” (补肾), we are talking about supporting your foundational energy. Why Kidney Matters in TCM TCM says: “The Kidney stores essence, produces

As the crisp air of autumn sets in, many people notice dry skin, scratchy throats, or a lingering dry cough. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall is associated with the Lung system and the Metal element , both of which are easily affected by dryness. To maintain balance and health, TCM focuses on nourishing yin, moisturizing the body, and supporting lung function during this season. 1. Nourish Yin and Moisten the Lungs Foods that are naturally moistening help combat i

As the crisp fall air settles in, many of us notice more dryness, cough, or chest tightness. Seasonal changes often stress the lungs, and...

Sagittal view of the temporomandibular joint showing disc, condyle, and temporal bone. If you live with jaw pain, clicking, headaches,...

One underrated topic in traditional medicine that doesn’t get talked about enough is the role of fascia and connective tissue health in...