The primary function of the Ancestral Sinews (Zong Jin) is to maintain integrity of anatomic and functional relationships (head, chest, pelvic cavities) and allow circulation of Qi and Blood in these cavities. They include the muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia associated with five paired muscles: sternocleidomastoideus (connects the head to the chest), diaphragm (connects the chest to the spine), iliopsoas (connects spine to pelvis), rectus abdominus (connects chest to pelvis), paravertebral/gluteal muscles (support the spine). The Ancestral Sinews also provide padded areas to absorb physical and emotional shocks and store latent external/internal pathogens to protect the Zang-fu organs. Changes noted when these sinews become affected by pathology include: stiffness, pain, trigger/Ah-shi points, and reduced range of motion in the affected region. Involvement of the Ancestral Sinews may be associated with chronic pain, lameness, dermatopathies, digestive disorders, respiratory disease and chronic disorders that do not completely respond to routine acupuncture treatment. To fully resolve these disorders, one or more of the Ancestral Sinews may need to be released. The muscles, ligaments and tendons of the Ancestral Sinews are first addressed with acupuncture of GB-41 and GB-27. Additional treatment requires the use of specific acupoints for each of the Ancestral Sinews as follows: sternocleidomastoideus (GB-12, TH-17, ST-12), diaphragm (BL-17, GV-4), iliopsoas (ST-25, CV-2), rectus abdominus (treat tight points along KID, ST Channels) and paravertebral muscles (BL-10, BL-17, BL-23, BL-40).