Special curative effect of acupoints includes bi-directional and relative specific effect.
1. Bi-directional Effect
Bidirectional effect, also known as favourable bi-directional regulating effect, refers to the needling of the same acupoints with different manipulating techniques to stimulate meridian qi to regulate different functional activities of the body bi-directionally. That means to balance the functions of the body when they become hyperactive with the inhibiting effect and to restore the normal functions of the body when they become hypoactive with the exciting effect.
For example, when the heart is beating too fast, needling Neiguan (PC 6) can reduce heart rate; when the heart is beating too slowly, needling Neiguan (PC6) can increase the heart rate. Take Zusanli (ST 36) for another example, for stomach spasm, needling Zusanli (ST 36) can relieve spasm; but for gastrectasis, needling Zusanli (ST 36) can promote the peristalsis of the stomach.
2. Relative specific effect means that some of the acupoints bear special or specific curative effect on certain diseases. For example, Dazhui (GV 14) abates fever and Zhiyin (BL 67) rectifies the position of fetus.