Abstract
Objectives : To study the shu points selection of the Four Seas in the 「Hailun」 chapter of 『Lingshu』. Methods : The effects and main indications of each shu point, their anatomical position, characteristics along with similarities of disease patterns according to excessiveness and deficiency of the Four Seas were examined. Results : The selection of shu points of the Four Seas were deeply related to the effects and main indications, and the common similarity among conditions due to excessiveness and deficiency was the presence of psychological aspects. Also, when the Four Seas are connected to the Jing-Qi-Shen and Blood, marrow sea[髓海] is connected to Jing & Shen, qi sea[氣海] is connected to Qi, blood sea[血海] is connected to Blood, and sea of water and grain[水穀之海] replenishes Jing-Qi-Shen and Blood. When connected to the Four Qi Intersections, the marrow sea is connected to 'head qi with intersection', qi sea is connected to 'chest qi with intersection', sea of water and grain or blood sea is connected to 'stomach qi with intersection', otherwise sea of water and grain is connected to 'shin qi with intersection'. Conclusions : The Four Seas are designated to the shu points due to their accumulation of Qi when the main elements of Jing-Qi-Shen and Blood are deficient or excessive, allowing for the most convenient management and manipulation of the condition of these main elements. In clinical practice, the shu points of the Four Seas will likely increase treatment efficacy for conditions that include psychological aspects.