Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is based on a complex theory of body functioning that is very different from the western biologic approach. Briefly, it is believed that a free flow of energy passes through twelve pathways or meridians on the body. A balance of opposites also exists, known as yin and yang. Disease is believed to result from a disruption in the normal flow of this energy.

Acupuncture Points:
The acupuncturists believe that there are tender areas at certain points on the surface of the body in all disease and these tender areas are the acupuncture points.

In Chinese literature, about one thousand acupuncture points have been described – these may be even more. The thousand or so acupuncture points may be divided into various categories, all points in each, and category having similar properties.

The acupuncture points that are near the site of symptoms often have a greater local effect, especially in painful conditions. Points that are far away, especially the important points below the knee and elbow, often have a greater systemic effect.

Do Acupuncture Points Really Exist?
The question of the existence of acupuncture points has been explored in several ways:

1. By studying the unique anatomical structures at acupoints.
2. By studying the electrical properties of sin at acupoints.
3. By studying the nerves being activated by acupuncture at acupoints.
4. By comparing the effects of needling at true points versus sham points.

Various Ways of Stimulating the Points:
There are various ways of stimulating the points, namely, electrical stimuli, magnetic oscillations, mechanical vibrations, injections, massages, etc., besides puncturing the points with needles. There are also different ways of practicing acupuncture. The needles are made of several materials, namely: silver, alloys, stainless steel and even gold.

There are six meridians on the foot. The bottom of the foot has three – namely:

• Gall bladder meridian.
  
• Kidney meridian
  
• Spleen meridian.

There are three other meridians on the back or top of the foot – namely:

• Liver meridian
  
• Stomach meridian
  
• Bladder meridian

The spleen meridian starts from the big toe and the kidney meridian also has its origin in the foot. All these areas play a role in enjoying good health. The toes contain the "trigger points" for head, neck as well as for ears, eyes, heart, liver, lungs and pancreas, the hollow of the foot has important points of abdomen, stomach and kidneys, while the heel accommodates important points for glands and sex organs.

Palpation of Acupuncture Points:
Palpation of acupuncture points is aimed primarily at checking for tenderness. If a point is very tender on even superficial pressure, this indicates a full condition of that channel or local stagnation. If pressure on the point relieves a particular pain, this indicates an empty condition of that channel. If pressure of the point initially relieves a particular pain but then causes a discomfort, this indicates a condition of mixed deficiency and excess.

Any acupuncture point may be used diagnostically, and indeed the Ah Shi points may be used as well. However, some points have a particular diagnostic significance: these are Front Collecting (Mu) points, the Back Transporting (Shu) points and the Source (Yiam) points.

Methods of Point Location:
Accurate location of the acupuncture points is very important for the success of the treatment. Several methods of locating acupuncture points are used. Every acupuncture point is located with its own specific method. Some points can be located with the aid of more than one method. Palpation of the area concerned is important because acupuncture points mostly become increasingly sensitive to palpation. Especially in the area of painful disorders of the loco motor system, but also in neurological disorders, points that are tender to pressure are found. These points are also needled even if they do not correspond to classic acupuncture points in their location. Such sensitive, painful or tender points are called Ah Shi points in Chinese and are indicated as local points in addition to the specific distal points. After needling acupuncture points, it is useful to check the correct position of the needle, and in the event of excessive divergence, to needle once more.