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NBCE Acupuncture practice questions

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Question 1Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Yuan-Source point of the Lung channel?

  1. Yuji (LU 10)
  2. Chize (LU 5)
  3. Lieque (LU 7)
  4. Taiyuan (LU 9) Correct answer.

Explanation

Each Yin channel has a Yuan-Source point where the channel's original Qi surfaces, and on the Lung channel that point is Taiyuan (LU 9), located at the radial end of the wrist crease. Yuan points are used to reinforce the channel's own Zang and to support the corresponding Yin organ's function.

Question 2Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient reports a bitter taste, dry throat, hypochondriac pain, and irritability with a wiry pulse. Which channel's pathology best fits this presentation?

  1. Gallbladder channel Correct answer.
  2. Stomach channel
  3. Kidney channel
  4. Heart channel

Explanation

Bitter taste, dry throat, hypochondriac pain, and irritability with a wiry pulse describe Gallbladder channel and organ patterns, often labeled Shao Yang or Liver-Gallbladder heat. The Gallbladder channel courses through the hypochondrium and lateral aspect of the body, matching the location of the pain.

Question 3Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Front-Mu (Alarm) point of the Stomach?

  1. Shanzhong (CV 17)
  2. Tianshu (ST 25)
  3. Guanyuan (CV 4)
  4. Zhongwan (CV 12) Correct answer.

Explanation

Front-Mu points lie on the Conception Vessel or on the channel itself and reflect the organ's Qi; the Stomach's Mu point is Zhongwan (CV 12), located midway between the umbilicus and the xiphisternal junction. Mu points are generally used to treat acute or excess patterns of their corresponding organ.

Question 4Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Back-Shu point of the Liver?

  1. Pishu (BL 20)
  2. Ganshu (BL 18) Correct answer.
  3. Danshu (BL 19)
  4. Shenshu (BL 23)

Explanation

Back-Shu points are located on the inner Bladder channel at the level of the corresponding organ; Ganshu (BL 18) sits at the level of T9 and treats Liver patterns. Shu points are favored for chronic and deficiency presentations of their organ.

Question 5Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has acute lumbar pain from a sprain with local muscle spasm and no underlying deficiency signs. Which distal point is most appropriate to needle first?

  1. Weizhong (BL 40) Correct answer.
  2. Taixi (KI 3)
  3. Mingmen (GV 4)
  4. Shenshu (BL 23)

Explanation

Weizhong (BL 40), the He-Sea and command point for the lumbar region, is a standard distal choice for acute low back pain and is often bled or strongly reduced. Distal points are needled before local ones in acute excess conditions so the channel can be opened without aggravating spasm.

Question 6Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen channel?

  1. Taibai (SP 3)
  2. Sanyinjiao (SP 6)
  3. Yinlingquan (SP 9)
  4. Gongsun (SP 4) Correct answer.

Explanation

The Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen is Gongsun (SP 4), located on the medial foot proximal to the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Luo points treat disorders of the paired channel and are classically combined with the Luo point of the coupled channel.

Question 7Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Hui-Meeting point of Blood?

  1. Dazhui (GV 14)
  2. Danzhong (CV 17)
  3. Geshu (BL 17) Correct answer.
  4. Yanglingquan (GB 34)

Explanation

The Hui-Meeting points govern specific tissues or substances; Geshu (BL 17) is the meeting point of Blood and is used to invigorate and nourish Blood. It is frequently selected for Blood deficiency and Blood stasis patterns.

Question 8Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has nausea and vomiting with a feeling of fullness in the epigastrium and a slippery pulse. Which point combination best addresses the Stomach's rebellious Qi?

  1. Feishu (BL 13) with Lieque (LU 7)
  2. Guanyuan (CV 4) with Sanyinjiao (SP 6)
  3. Shenshu (BL 23) with Taixi (KI 3)
  4. Zhongwan (CV 12) with Neiguan (PC 6) Correct answer.

Explanation

Zhongwan (CV 12) is the Front-Mu and Hui-Meeting point of the Fu organs, and Neiguan (PC 6) is the command point for the chest and upper abdomen that harmonizes the Stomach and stops vomiting. Together they address rebellious Stomach Qi with epigastric fullness.

Question 9Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the He-Sea point of the Large Intestine channel?

  1. Yangxi (LI 5)
  2. Quchi (LI 11) Correct answer.
  3. Hegu (LI 4)
  4. Sanjian (LI 3)

Explanation

He-Sea points are located near the elbow or knee and treat disorders of the corresponding Fu organ; on the Large Intestine channel this is Quchi (LI 11) at the lateral end of the elbow crease. It is used for intestinal heat, constipation, and skin disorders.

Question 10Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient presents with sudden-onset occipital headache, stiffness of the neck, and aversion to wind after exposure to cold weather. Which point is most appropriate to release the exterior and address the occipital region?

  1. Zusanli (ST 36) with Pishu (BL 20)
  2. Fengchi (GB 20) Correct answer.
  3. Zusanli (ST 36)
  4. Qihai (CV 6)

Explanation

Fengchi (GB 20) lies below the occiput and is a primary point to expel wind and cold from the head and neck, making it appropriate for occipital headache with neck stiffness. It also benefits the sensory orifices and is a common choice for exterior wind patterns.

Question 11Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Jing-Well point of the Kidney channel?

  1. Taixi (KI 3)
  2. Yingu (KI 10)
  3. Fuliu (KI 7)
  4. Yongquan (KI 1) Correct answer.

Explanation

Jing-Well points are located at the tips of the fingers or toes and are used to revive consciousness and clear heat; on the Kidney channel the point is Yongquan (KI 1) on the sole of the foot. It is also used for excess Yang rising to the head.

Question 12Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Front-Mu point of the Pericardium?

  1. Juque (CV 14)
  2. Zhongwan (CV 12)
  3. Shanzhong (CV 17) Correct answer.
  4. Jiuwei (CV 15)

Explanation

Shanzhong (CV 17) is the Front-Mu point of the Pericardium and also the Hui-Meeting point of Qi, located at the level of the fourth intercostal space on the sternum. It is used for chest oppression, palpitations, and Qi stagnation in the chest.

Question 13Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient with chronic fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools is treated with moxibustion. Which point best reinforces Spleen and Stomach Qi?

  1. Fengchi (GB 20)
  2. Hegu (LI 4)
  3. Dazhui (GV 14)
  4. Zusanli (ST 36) Correct answer.

Explanation

Zusanli (ST 36) is the He-Sea point of the Stomach and a major point to tonify Qi and Blood of the middle jiao, and moxibustion is classically applied to it for deficiency. It supports appetite, digestion, and overall vitality in Spleen deficiency patterns.

Question 14Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Yuan-Source point of the Heart channel?

  1. Shaofu (HT 8)
  2. Shenmen (HT 7) Correct answer.
  3. Tongli (HT 5)
  4. Shaohai (HT 3)

Explanation

Shenmen (HT 7) is both the Shu-Stream and the Yuan-Source point of the Heart channel, located at the ulnar end of the wrist crease. It calms the Shen and is used for insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety.

Question 15Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has a red, swollen, painful knee with local heat and a feeling of distension. Which point is most appropriate to clear damp-heat from the knee joint?

  1. Xuehai (SP 10)
  2. Liangqiu (ST 34) Correct answer.
  3. Yinlingquan (SP 9)
  4. Hegu (LI 4)

Explanation

Liangqiu (ST 34) is the Xi-Cleft point of the Stomach channel, located above the lateral knee, and Xi-Cleft points treat acute and painful conditions of their channel. For acute hot swelling of the knee, clearing heat and moving the channel at the joint is appropriate.

Question 16Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Luo-Connecting point of the Stomach channel?

  1. Tianshu (ST 25)
  2. Liangqiu (ST 34)
  3. Fenglong (ST 40) Correct answer.
  4. Zusanli (ST 36)

Explanation

The Luo-Connecting point of the Stomach is Fenglong (ST 40), located on the lateral lower leg, and it is classically used to transform phlegm and calm the Shen. Luo points link the paired channel and treat both the channel's own disorders and those of its coupled channel.

Question 17Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient with asthma has wheezing worse on exhalation, a thin white coating, and a weak voice. Which point combination best addresses Lung Qi deficiency with retained phlegm?

  1. Feishu (BL 13) with Dingchuan (EX-B1) Correct answer.
  2. Dazhui (GV 14) with Quchi (LI 11)
  3. Hegu (LI 4) with Chize (LU 5)
  4. Zhongfu (LU 1) with Yunmen (LU 2)

Explanation

Feishu (BL 13) is the Back-Shu point of the Lung and tonifies Lung Qi, while Dingchuan is a well-known empirical point for calming wheezing and stopping asthma. Used together they address both the underlying deficiency and the retained phlegm obstructing the chest.

Question 18Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Back-Shu point of the Pericardium?

  1. Xinshu (BL 15)
  2. Ganshu (BL 18)
  3. Feishu (BL 13)
  4. Jueyinshu (BL 14) Correct answer.

Explanation

Jueyinshu (BL 14) is located on the inner Bladder channel at the level of T4 and is the Back-Shu point of the Pericardium. Shu points are used to treat chronic and deficiency patterns of their corresponding organ.

Question 19Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has insomnia with palpitations, irritability, a red tongue tip, and a rapid pulse. Which point is most appropriate to calm the Shen and clear Heart fire?

  1. Pishu (BL 20)
  2. Yinlingquan (SP 9)
  3. Shenmen (HT 7) Correct answer.
  4. Zusanli (ST 36)

Explanation

Shenmen (HT 7) is the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Heart and directly calms the Shen while clearing Heart fire. It is a primary point for insomnia, palpitations, and agitation with heat signs.

Question 20Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Xi-Cleft point of the Lung channel?

  1. Kongzui (LU 6) Correct answer.
  2. Chize (LU 5)
  3. Taiyuan (LU 9)
  4. Lieque (LU 7)

Explanation

Xi-Cleft points are where Qi and Blood gather and are used for acute conditions and pain of their channel; on the Lung channel this is Kongzui (LU 6). It is classically indicated for acute cough, asthma, and hemoptysis.

Question 21Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient with chronic low back pain and cold sensation in the lumbar region is treated with moxibustion on a local point. Which point best warms the lumbar region and supports Kidney Yang?

  1. Fengfu (GV 16)
  2. Baihui (GV 20)
  3. Dazhui (GV 14)
  4. Mingmen (GV 4) Correct answer.

Explanation

Mingmen (GV 4), the Gate of Life, lies below the spinous process of L2 and is a key point to warm Kidney Yang and dispel cold from the lumbar region. Moxibustion at this point is classically used for cold-deficiency low back pain.

Question 22Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Hui-Meeting point of the Fu organs?

  1. Shanzhong (CV 17)
  2. Zhongwan (CV 12) Correct answer.
  3. Dazhu (BL 11)
  4. Guanyuan (CV 4)

Explanation

Zhongwan (CV 12) is the meeting point of the Fu organs and the Front-Mu point of the Stomach, located midway between the umbilicus and the xiphisternal junction. It harmonizes the middle jiao and is used for disorders of the Stomach and intestines.

Question 23Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient presents with a sore throat, fever, thirst, and a red tongue with a yellow coating. Which point is most appropriate to clear heat and benefit the throat?

  1. Taiyuan (LU 9)
  2. Shaoshang (LU 11) Correct answer.
  3. Chize (LU 5)
  4. Lieque (LU 7)

Explanation

Shaoshang (LU 11) is the Jing-Well point of the Lung channel and is classically used, often with bleeding, to clear heat and relieve acute sore throat. Jing-Well points at the fingertips are effective for clearing excess heat from their channel.

Question 24Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Front-Mu point of the Kidney?

  1. Jingmen (GB 25) Correct answer.
  2. Zhongfu (LU 1)
  3. Zhangmen (LR 13)
  4. Qimen (LR 14)

Explanation

Jingmen (GB 25) is the Front-Mu point of the Kidney, located on the lateral abdomen at the level of the free end of the twelfth rib. It is used for Kidney deficiency and lower abdominal and lumbar disorders.

Question 25Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient with a wiry pulse, hypochondriac distension, and frequent sighing is diagnosed with Liver Qi stagnation. Which point is most appropriate to spread Liver Qi?

  1. Zusanli (ST 36)
  2. Taichong (LR 3) Correct answer.
  3. Taixi (KI 3)
  4. Shenmen (HT 7)

Explanation

Taichong (LR 3) is the Shu-Stream and Yuan-Source point of the Liver channel and is a primary point to spread Liver Qi and resolve stagnation. A wiry pulse with hypochondriac distension and sighing is a classic Liver Qi stagnation presentation.

Question 26Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient reports a bitter taste, dry throat, and pain in the lateral hypochondrium. Which channel is most directly implicated by the bitter taste?

  1. Lung channel
  2. Kidney channel
  3. Gallbladder channel Correct answer.
  4. Spleen channel

Explanation

Bitter taste is a hallmark symptom of Gallbladder pathology and is listed among the Gallbladder channel's indications, often accompanying hypochondriac pain and dry throat. The Gallbladder channel's divergent and primary pathways communicate with the Liver and flank region, explaining this cluster.

Question 27Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Xi-Cleft point of the Spleen channel?

  1. SP 4 Gongsun
  2. SP 6 Sanyinjiao
  3. SP 9 Yinlingquan
  4. SP 8 Diji Correct answer.

Explanation

SP 8 Diji is the Xi-Cleft point of the Spleen channel, located 3 cun below SP 9 on the medial tibia. Xi-Cleft points are used for acute and painful conditions of the channel's organ, such as acute abdominal pain in Spleen patterns.

Question 28Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Yuan-Source point of the Small Intestine channel?

  1. SI 8 Xiaohai
  2. SI 3 Houxi
  3. SI 5 Yanggu
  4. SI 4 Wangu Correct answer.

Explanation

SI 4 Wangu, located on the ulnar side of the hand at the base of the fifth metacarpal, is the Yuan-Source point of the Small Intestine channel. Yuan-Source points are used to reinforce the channel's organ and address both deficiency and excess patterns.

Question 29Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Front-Mu point of the Lung?

  1. LU 5 Chize
  2. BL 13 Feishu
  3. CV 17 Shanzhong
  4. LU 1 Zhongfu Correct answer.

Explanation

LU 1 Zhongfu, located in the lateral chest, is the Front-Mu point of the Lung. Front-Mu points are located on the chest or abdomen over the corresponding organ and are used especially for excess patterns and acute symptoms of that organ.

Question 30Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Jing-Well point of the Liver channel?

  1. LR 4 Zhongfeng
  2. LR 1 Dadun Correct answer.
  3. LR 8 Ququan
  4. LR 3 Taichong

Explanation

LR 1 Dadun, located on the lateral side of the big toe, is the Jing-Well point of the Liver channel. Jing-Well points are used for fullness below the heart, loss of consciousness, and acute heat conditions affecting the channel.

Question 31Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the He-Sea point of the Heart channel?

  1. HT 3 Shaohai Correct answer.
  2. HT 7 Shenmen
  3. HT 5 Tongli
  4. HT 9 Shaochong

Explanation

HT 3 Shaohai, located at the medial end of the elbow crease, is the He-Sea point of the Heart channel. He-Sea points are used for disorders of the corresponding Fu organ and for conditions affecting the channel along its course.

Question 32Acupuncture (specialty content)

Which point is the Luo-Connecting point of the Kidney channel?

  1. KI 6 Zhaohai
  2. KI 7 Fuliu
  3. KI 4 Dazhong Correct answer.
  4. KI 3 Taixi

Explanation

KI 4 Dazhong, located posteroinferior to the medial malleolus, is the Luo-Connecting point of the Kidney channel. Luo-Connecting points treat conditions of the paired channel and are used for both excess and deficiency patterns of the organ.

Question 33Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient presents with acute low back pain and stiffness after lifting a heavy object, with pain worse on movement and a wiry pulse. Which point combination is most appropriate?

  1. LU 7 Lieque with KI 6 Zhaohai
  2. BL 40 Weizhong with BL 23 Shenshu Correct answer.
  3. ST 36 Zusanli with SP 6 Sanyinjiao
  4. PC 6 Neiguan with HT 7 Shenmen

Explanation

BL 40 Weizhong is the Command point for the lumbar region and is classically used for acute low back pain, while BL 23 Shenshu is the local Back-Shu point of the Kidney and treats lumbar pain. Together they address both the acute channel obstruction and the underlying lumbar region.

Question 34Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has dizziness, tinnitus, dry mouth at night, and a red tongue with scanty coating, consistent with Kidney Yin deficiency. Which point is most appropriate to nourish Kidney Yin?

  1. KI 3 Taixi Correct answer.
  2. KI 7 Fuliu
  3. KI 1 Yongquan
  4. KI 10 Yingu

Explanation

KI 3 Taixi is the Yuan-Source point of the Kidney and is a primary point for reinforcing Kidney Yin deficiency, addressing dizziness, tinnitus, and dryness. Yuan-Source points are selected when the organ itself is deficient and needs direct support.

Question 35Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient complains of chest tightness, palpitations, and anxiety with a thin white coating and a slightly wiry pulse. Which point is the Luo-Connecting point of the Pericardium and is appropriate here?

  1. PC 6 Neiguan Correct answer.
  2. PC 3 Quze
  3. PC 7 Daling
  4. PC 8 Laogong

Explanation

PC 6 Neiguan is the Luo-Connecting point of the Pericardium and a key point for chest tightness, palpitations, and anxiety. As a Luo point it communicates with the San Jiao and regulates Qi in the chest.

Question 36Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has a chronic dry cough with scanty sputum, hoarseness, and a dry throat, consistent with Lung Yin deficiency. Which point is most appropriate to nourish Lung Yin?

  1. LU 9 Taiyuan Correct answer.
  2. LU 5 Chize
  3. LU 11 Shaoshang
  4. LU 7 Lieque

Explanation

LU 9 Taiyuan is the Shu-Stream, Yuan-Source, and Hui-Meeting point of the vessels and is used to reinforce Lung Yin deficiency with dry cough and hoarseness. It tonifies Lung Qi and Yin and is a primary point for chronic respiratory dryness.

Question 37Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has epigastric pain that improves with pressure and warmth, poor appetite, and fatigue, consistent with Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold. Which point is most appropriate to warm the Middle and reinforce Qi?

  1. CV 6 Qihai with LU 7 Lieque
  2. CV 12 Zhongwan with ST 36 Zusanli Correct answer.
  3. CV 4 Guanyuan with KI 3 Taixi
  4. CV 17 Shanzhong with LU 1 Zhongfu

Explanation

CV 12 Zhongwan is the Front-Mu point of the Stomach and a key point to warm and harmonize the Middle Jiao, while ST 36 Zusanli reinforces Stomach and Spleen Qi. Together they address deficiency cold of the epigastrium with fatigue and poor appetite, often with moxibustion.

Question 38Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient presents with a stiff neck, occipital headache, and aversion to cold after exposure to wind, consistent with wind-cold attacking the Taiyang. Which point is most appropriate to release the exterior?

  1. BL 23 Shenshu
  2. BL 60 Kunlun
  3. BL 12 Fengmen Correct answer.
  4. BL 40 Weizhong

Explanation

BL 12 Fengmen is the Back-Shu point of the Lung and a key point to release wind from the exterior, addressing stiff neck, occipital headache, and aversion to cold. It is often combined with LU 7 and LI 4 when wind-cold invades the Taiyang.

Question 39Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has a red, swollen, and painful throat with fever, thirst, and a red tongue with yellow coating. Which point is most appropriate to clear heat and benefit the throat?

  1. LU 9 Taiyuan
  2. LU 11 Shaoshang Correct answer.
  3. LU 5 Chize
  4. LU 7 Lieque

Explanation

LU 11 Shaoshang is the Jing-Well point of the Lung channel and is classically used to clear heat and benefit the throat in acute sore throat with fever. Jing-Well points are effective for acute heat conditions affecting the channel.

Question 40Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has abdominal pain with a feeling of cold and diarrhea, and the practitioner selects a point to warm the Spleen and Stomach. Which point is the Front-Mu point of the Spleen and is appropriate here?

  1. CV 4 Guanyuan
  2. ST 25 Tianshu
  3. CV 12 Zhongwan
  4. LR 13 Zhangmen Correct answer.

Explanation

LR 13 Zhangmen is the Front-Mu point of the Spleen and also a Hui-Meeting point of the zang organs, making it appropriate for Spleen deficiency cold with abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is often used with moxibustion to warm the Middle Jiao.

Question 41Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has a sensation of something stuck in the throat that cannot be swallowed or expectorated, with irritability and a wiry pulse, consistent with plum-pit Qi. Which point is most appropriate to regulate Qi and resolve phlegm in the throat?

  1. CV 22 Tiantu with PC 6 Neiguan Correct answer.
  2. ST 36 Zusanli with SP 6 Sanyinjiao
  3. LU 5 Chize with LU 11 Shaoshang
  4. KI 3 Taixi with KI 6 Zhaohai

Explanation

CV 22 Tiantu is a local point at the base of the throat that regulates Qi and resolves phlegm, while PC 6 Neiguan opens the chest and calms the spirit. Together they address plum-pit Qi with irritability and a wiry pulse.

Question 42Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has insomnia with palpitations, poor memory, and a pale tongue with a thin white coating, consistent with Heart Blood deficiency. Which point combination is most appropriate?

  1. HT 5 Tongli with PC 7 Daling
  2. HT 9 Shaochong with PC 8 Laogong
  3. HT 3 Shaohai with PC 3 Quze
  4. HT 7 Shenmen with BL 15 Xinshu Correct answer.

Explanation

HT 7 Shenmen is the Shu-Stream and Yuan-Source point of the Heart and is a primary point to calm the spirit and nourish the Heart, while BL 15 Xinshu is the Back-Shu point of the Heart. Together they reinforce Heart Blood and address insomnia with palpitations and poor memory.

Question 43Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has acute lumbar pain radiating to the leg with numbness and tingling along the lateral aspect of the lower leg, and the practitioner suspects obstruction of the Gallbladder channel. Which point is the Xi-Cleft point of the Gallbladder channel?

  1. GB 40 Qiuxu
  2. GB 36 Waiqiu Correct answer.
  3. GB 41 Zulinqi
  4. GB 34 Yanglingquan

Explanation

GB 36 Waiqiu is the Xi-Cleft point of the Gallbladder channel and is used for acute and painful conditions along the channel, including sciatica with lateral leg symptoms. Xi-Cleft points are effective for acute channel obstruction and pain.

Question 44Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has profuse sweating, aversion to wind, and a floating moderate pulse, consistent with exterior deficiency and disharmony between the Ying and Wei levels. Which point is most appropriate to regulate sweating?

  1. KI 7 Fuliu Correct answer.
  2. LU 7 Lieque
  3. BL 13 Feishu
  4. LU 9 Taiyuan

Explanation

KI 7 Fuliu is the Jing-River point of the Kidney channel and is classically used to regulate sweating, including both spontaneous sweating from deficiency and night sweats. It addresses disharmony of the Ying and Wei levels when sweating is the prominent symptom.

Question 45Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has vertigo with a feeling of heaviness in the head, nausea, and a thick greasy coating, consistent with phlegm-damp obstructing the head. Which point is most appropriate to transform phlegm and benefit the head?

  1. ST 44 Neiting
  2. ST 36 Zusanli
  3. ST 40 Fenglong Correct answer.
  4. ST 25 Tianshu

Explanation

ST 40 Fenglong is the Luo-Connecting point of the Stomach and is classically used to transform phlegm and clear phlegm-damp obstructing the head and chest. It addresses vertigo with heaviness, nausea, and a greasy coating.

Question 46Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has irregular menstruation with scanty flow, lower abdominal pain that improves with warmth, and a pale tongue, consistent with Blood deficiency and cold in the uterus. Which point is most appropriate to warm the uterus and nourish Blood?

  1. CV 12 Zhongwan with ST 36 Zusanli
  2. CV 22 Tiantu with LU 7 Lieque
  3. CV 4 Guanyuan with SP 6 Sanyinjiao Correct answer.
  4. CV 17 Shanzhong with PC 6 Neiguan

Explanation

CV 4 Guanyuan warms the uterus and reinforces the lower jiao, while SP 6 Sanyinjiao is a key point to regulate menstruation and nourish Blood. Together they address irregular menstruation with cold and deficiency, often with moxibustion.

Question 47Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has a chronic cough with copious thin white sputum, a feeling of cold in the chest, and a pale tongue, consistent with Lung deficiency cold. Which point is most appropriate to warm the Lung and transform cold phlegm?

  1. BL 20 Pishu with SP 9 Yinlingquan
  2. BL 18 Ganshu with LR 3 Taichong
  3. BL 13 Feishu with LU 5 Chize Correct answer.
  4. BL 23 Shenshu with KI 3 Taixi

Explanation

BL 13 Feishu is the Back-Shu point of the Lung and warms and reinforces Lung Qi, while LU 5 Chize is the He-Sea point used to transform phlegm and descend Lung Qi. Together they address chronic cough with cold phlegm and chest cold.

Question 48Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has a sudden loss of consciousness with a flushed face, a red tongue, and a wiry rapid pulse, consistent with Liver yang rising and Qi rebelling upward. Which point is most appropriate to clear heat and restore consciousness?

  1. LR 14 Qimen
  2. LR 8 Ququan
  3. LR 3 Taichong
  4. LR 1 Dadun Correct answer.

Explanation

LR 1 Dadun is the Jing-Well point of the Liver channel and is used for loss of consciousness and rebellious Qi, particularly with heat and yang rising. Jing-Well points are selected for acute emergencies and loss of consciousness in channel patterns.

Question 49Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has urinary retention with a sensation of cold in the lower abdomen and a deep weak pulse, consistent with Kidney Qi deficiency failing to transform fluids. Which point is most appropriate to reinforce Kidney Qi and promote urination?

  1. BL 28 Pangguangshu with BL 40 Weizhong
  2. BL 23 Shenshu with CV 4 Guanyuan Correct answer.
  3. CV 3 Zhongji with SP 9 Yinlingquan
  4. KI 1 Yongquan with LU 7 Lieque

Explanation

BL 23 Shenshu reinforces Kidney Qi, and CV 4 Guanyuan warms and strengthens the lower jiao, supporting the Kidney's function of transforming fluids. This combination is appropriate for urinary retention due to Kidney Qi deficiency with cold, often with moxibustion.

Question 50Acupuncture (specialty content)

A patient has a chronic sore throat with dryness, a low-grade fever in the afternoon, and a red tongue with scanty coating, consistent with Lung and Kidney yin deficiency. Which point combination is most appropriate to nourish yin and benefit the throat?

  1. KI 6 Zhaohai with LU 7 Lieque Correct answer.
  2. ST 44 Neiting with LI 11 Quchi
  3. PC 8 Laogong with HT 9 Shaochong
  4. LU 11 Shaoshang with LI 4 Hegu

Explanation

KI 6 Zhaohai is the Confluent point of the Yin Qiao vessel and nourishes Kidney yin to benefit the throat, while LU 7 Lieque opens the Ren vessel and treats throat conditions. Together they address chronic dry sore throat from yin deficiency.