Preface
Recently, during my orthopedic rotation, I came into contact with a senior @hello.
We often discussed traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine together, browsing 解剖课推荐——艾氏解剖学（附下载链接） while pondering over the anatomical principles of acupuncture and tui na (Chinese manual therapy). Taking this opportunity, I gained more insights into TCM, and here I excerpt some of our conversation records.
Discussion about the Subclavius Muscle
Senior 
: Look at this subclavius muscle. The video (Aitchison’s Anatomy) says its function is currently undetermined, but I often use it clinically. Think about the reason why.
Me 
: Although I don’t know how it’s used clinically, let me guess its function based on its structure — I think it’s used to stabilize the sternoclavicular joint.
Senior : No, here’s a hint: there are so many nerves and blood vessels nearby (brachial plexus).
Me : Could it be some kind of regulatory mechanism? Similar to thoracic outlet syndrome, where the brachial plexus gets compressed by many structures. Does this muscle play a similar role?
Senior : Exactly! Clinically, I adjust the tension of the subclavius muscle to regulate the distribution of energy, especially by frequently turning this “switch” on, allowing energy to flow better.
Me : Thinking this way, isn’t the Yunmen acupoint located right here?
Afterward, we flipped open the Gaoshiguo Acupuncture Points Explanation and looked at the contents about Yunmen, which indeed fit very well:
Yun (cloud) means qi (energy). The qi of the Lung meridian flows out from the internal palace, circulates through the meridians, and distributes to the exterior. This point is like the gate where qi ascends and transforms into vapor. In treatment, it mainly functions to clear the meridians and regulate qi. Any qi stagnation can be resolved by selecting this point. Even stagnant Yin qi is transformed into clouds that float through the skies, freely reaching Yang—that’s why it’s named “Yunmen” (Cloud Gate). Its therapeutic effect is similar to Zhongfu point, but Yunmen governs the exterior and is for opening; Zhongfu governs the interior and is for closing.
Regarding the meaning of cloud, it conveys remoteness and abundance. “The clouds of Mount Tai… don’t gather in the morning but rain on all under heaven” (from “Gongyang Commentary”), praising its rapid and broad dissemination. The Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion warns against excessive lifting during needling because it may cause dizziness, due to too much dispersal. However, it’s suitable for treating stagnation in robust people. For elderly or weak patients with stagnation, needling here may harm vital qi, so the Fenglong point is preferable to direct qi downward, easing stagnation without wasting qi.
Senior : The main functions of muscles are usually movement, heat production, and discharge, but the human body has many small muscles that are too tiny—these three functions seem insignificant. They mostly act as switches to regulate the distribution of energy, like the subclavius muscle.
Me : So that means if I master the switches of the twelve main meridians, just twelve acupoints, and open or close them as needed, I can treat diseases?
Senior : Exactly, but right now you only understand the principle. Specific techniques and diagnosis require diligent learning.
Epilogue
Later, I asked where he learned this from. It was Teacher Tang Lixin from Dongzhimen, a very kind elderly lady, but Teacher Tang has already stopped seeing patients. However, her colleague Teacher Zhang Xueli is still practicing, and she recommended I study from Teacher Zhang.
At the end, the senior sighed to me that Teacher Tang excelled in teaching, clinical work, and character, but unfortunately wasn’t very well known. Although I have not personally studied through clinical observation with her, I believe a teacher who can train a student like my senior must be excellent. I think more people should know such teachers, learn good things, and have a chance to study under good teachers. Hence, I record this text here.