Acupuncture Points Location Methods
Acupuncture points, also known as acupoints, are specific points on the body where the flow of qi (energy) can be stimulated or manipulated. They are located along meridians, which are invisible pathways of energy that run through the body.
Acupuncture points are locations on the surface of the body where the energy of the organs, meridians, and collaterals converges and flows out of the body. When treating diseases with acupuncture and moxibustion, it is necessary to define the locations on the surface of the body and to determine the techniques for balancing and draining the energy and blood of the meridians, in order to strengthen health and eliminate diseases.
Scholars Sun Simiao and Zhang Jiebin attached great importance to the naming of acupuncture points. Therefore, understanding the meaning of the names of the points to remember their locations, to know the energy and blood of the organs and viscera, the flow of the meridians, and the functions of the points is very important, and applying this knowledge in clinical practice is of great importance. At the same time, by knowing the cultural history of the ethnic minorities, we are more committed to the study of medical acupuncture and moxibustion. In China, the theory of acupuncture and moxibustion has been most influenced by the regions and ethnic minorities. These minorities have promoted its development, ordered its structure, and thereby raised the level of theoretical knowledge. The study and research of the meaning of the names of acupuncture points, as well as their applications, is therefore of merit and attracts our attention.
Acupuncture point terminology is structured according to YING and YANG and the five elements; the energy and blood of the organs and viscera; the flow of the meridians; the functions of the points; the anatomical locations of the points; the selection methods; astronomical, geographical, and bone references; the counting of the eight diagrams; the sound of musical instruments; the type of building structures; the activity locations; the morphology of objects; the shapes of letters; etc. The aspects described are applicable in practice and help understanding and knowledge. The pictographic ideogram of the points represents an evolution in epistemology.
5 Acupuncture Points Location Methods
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to be associated with the flow of qi, or energy, through the body. Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, anxiety, depression, and infertility.
There are a variety of methods for locating acupuncture points. The best method for a particular practitioner will depend on their experience, preference, and the specific points being located.
1 - Anatomy
The most common method for Acupuncture Points Location Methods is based on anatomy. This involves identifying points based on their location on the body's surface. For example, the point LI4 is located on the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger.
2 - Measures
Another common method for locating acupuncture points is based on measurements. This involves using a unit of measurement called a cun to locate points. A cun is approximately the width of the tip of the middle finger. For example, the point BL18 is located on the back, three cuns below the tip of the shoulder.
3 - Description
Some acupuncture points can be located based on their description. For example, the point GB20 is located on the side of the head, at the point where the hair part begins.
4 - Electrical stimulation
In some cases, an electrical device can be used to Acupuncture Points Location Methods. The device measures the electrical resistance of the skin at the points. For example, the point ST36 is located on the shin, at the point where the muscle is most prominent.
5 - Visual aids
There are a number of visual aids that can be used to help locate acupuncture points. These include acupuncture point charts, maps, and models. Visual aids can be helpful for both acupuncturists and patients.
Acupuncture Point Location
The basic prerequisite for any successful acupuncture treatment is, in addition to the differentiated diagnosis according to the criteria of traditional Chinese medicine and the corresponding choice of the point, the knowledge of the exact location of the points, as well as the correct insertion and manipulation of the needle.
Acupuncture Point Location Methods
Acupuncture points can be located using a variety of methods:
Anatomical landmarks: Many acupuncture points are located at specific anatomical landmarks, such as depressions, muscle and tendon insertions, skin folds, joint spaces, and bony prominences. With correct location and adequate training, the palpating finger almost "falls" into these depressions and openi
Fixed Orientation Markers
Different points and anatomical reference locations form the basis for locating acupuncture points. They are differentiated between:
Fixed markers: These do not change with different body positions or movements. They contain bony references such as depressions or prominences of the skeletal system, and also, for example, nail groove, breast nipples, navel, etc. The measurement in cun of the body depends, to a large extent, on the basis of the fixed orientation marker.
Movable Orientation Markers
Markers that can be found or better exposed when assuming a specific body movement or position. Examples: bending the elbow to clearly characterize the elbow crease, for example, for the location of IG11, or representing the distal flexion crease of the palm of the hand with a slight clenching of the fist for the location of ID3.
Proportional Measurement of Distance to the Point:
For points that are not directly located on reference structures, traditional Chinese medicine uses the individual unit of measurement in cun.
Electric Point Finder:This device measures the electrical resistance of the skin at the points. In general, it is reduced in the region of acupuncture points. This method of location is used mainly in auriculoacupunture. However, it has not proven to be as useful in body acupuncture.
Very-Point Technique (according to Gleditsch, 1979):The needle is guided over the skin lightly with the hand moving quickly. As a result, when "sewing" tangentially in a light and relaxed manner, the needle becomes "stuck" in a point, and penetrates it almost by itself. The point where the needle stops is the point of puncture.
12 Main Meridians
In traditional Chinese medicine, there are 12 main meridians that are associated with the lung, stomach, small intestine, spleen, heart, liver, pericardium, kidneys, large intestine, bladder, or gallbladder.
In the treatment of various physical and mental diseases, it is necessary to find the point of the affected meridian, which can be the ear, feet, hands, legs, or arms. After that, according to the technique used, fine needles, laser, magnets, or mustard seeds are applied to these locations, balancing the body's energy and generating well-being and relieving pain or symptoms.
Acupuncture Meridian Map
The main acupuncture points can be stimulated with needles, magnets, fingers, or laser to restore the normal energy flow of our body. There are many techniques to stimulate these points, such as moxibustion, cupping therapy, laser therapy, auriculotherapy, and shiatsu.
Acupuncture points can be easily used in everyday life, as they also function as pressure points that help to relieve common symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, back pain, anxiety, and depression.
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