In the last article, I have introduced the concept of Meridians. Meridians are passageways that transport qi and blood throughout our bodies. It also connects all parts of the body holistically.
Acupoints (Or pressure points) are specific spots along the meridian. These acupoints are the spots where the qi and blood from the organs and meridians effuse and infuse in the body surface.
There are over 400 common known acupoints (Not including the special ones). Every acupoint has its own name. And the names have a specific meaning. For example, the acupoint “Ear Door” right in front of the ears are used to treat tinnitus, deadness, ear discharge, redness and swelling of the ear.
However, it is not easy to memorize all the names. Therefore a numerical system was created. The naming of the acupoints is based on the order of the acupoints along the meridians. For example, the forth acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian is called LI4 (LI stands for Large Intestine). LI4 can be used to treat headaches, common cold, cough, constipation, diarrhea, etc.
Application of Acupoints
Acupoints are very important in Chinese Medicine (CM) that it can be applied in the following.
1) Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of therapy in CM that uses needles to stimulate the body to promote self-healing. And guess where do the needles go?
Yes you are right! Needles are being applied to acupoints.
2) Tuina (Massage)
Acupoints are often being stimulated during a Chinese Tuina (Massage). There are various techniques that are being manipulated by CM doctors to heal patients. In the future, I will make a series regarding Tuina so you can apply these to help yourself and your family!
CM doctors have to memorize all acupoints in the body. However, if you are not going to be a CM doctor, you only need to know the main ones. I would say there are about 50 of them.
In the future, I will show you how to locate those 50 acupoints and what you can do to those acupoints to attain better health.
Up next, I will start to discuss why do humans get sick and what causes the sickness? Stay-tuned!
Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac), Alex Hui created this blog to share with the world the treasures in Chinese Medicine (CM).
What Connects All Parts of our Bodies?