(1) Back-Shu acupoints are located on the back while Front-Mu acupoints are located on the chest and abdomen. Each zang organ and fu organ has one Back-Shu and one Front-Mu acupoint respectively. These acupoints are the areas where visceral qi infuses. So tenderness can be found on these areas when pathological changes have taken place in the viscera. Back-Shu and Front- Mu acupoints can be used to treat visceral diseases and Back-Shu acupoints can also be used to treat disorders of tissues and organs pertaining to the corresponding viscera. For example, Ganshu (BL 18) may be chosen to treat eye or tendon disorders. (See Table 4 - 4).
(2) The Back-Shu acupoints and the Front-Mu acupoints can be used independently or in combination. When used together, this method is called Shu-Mu compatibility.