AcupunturaBasic Theory

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Basic Theory

Theories of traditional Chinese medicine and knowledge of human physiology together explainthe effectiveness of acupressure. Although an understanding in Chinese medicine is notnecessary to use the points for first aid, brief acquaintance with the theory may lend coherenceto the practice.

According to Chinese understanding, life is the flow of vital energy (chi through the body in acontinuous circuit. !" lines # or meridians # comprise the circuit in a human body$ each isassociated with specific internal organs, external body parts, and physiological functions$ alongeach lie specific points which control or influence the energy flow. %udden shock, illness ordisease interferes with this flow of energy. Thus, symptoms will&may appear in parts of the bodydistant from the site of in'ury, and points on the body apparently unrelated to a problem may beable to influence the problem via the meridians.

%pecifically, stimulating the appropriate points can

regulate the function of intemal organs, e.g., normali)e heart rhythm or alleviate

nausea$ reduce pain, by influencing nerve messages to the cerebral cortex$

relieve swelling and reduce inflammation by promoting blood circulation which

encourages the reabsorption of the inflammatory fluids$ restore consciousness by normali)ing gland and nerve function.

Techniques

MANIPULATINGSix common methods are mentioned here:

1. PUSHING: To rub upward and downward in a straight line on the surface of theskin;

2. CLUTCHING: To clutch and press muscles or ligaments with thumb and

fingers of one hand;

3. PRESSING: To press the "point" with thumb finger knuckle or elbow and

maintain the pressure;

!. RUBBING: To make circular moements on the point with thumb fingertip or

heel of the palm;

#. PRICKING: To prick accuratel$ with force on the point with single finger the

sharp edge of the fingernail or knuckle;

%. RAPPING: To rap &strike' with palm&s' or fist&s'.

EXERTING PROPER PRESSURE(sing the proper degree of force or pressure is crucial to beneficial treatment. Too little

force will not stimulate effectiel$ while too great will exhaust the operator and ma$

increase the casualt$)s discomfort unnecessaril$. *ressure must be firm but s$mpathetic;

the casualt$ should experience SORENESS, NUMBNESS, DISTENTION OR

HEAVINESSin the area treated. This indicates that treatment is taking effect.

LOCATING THE POINTS

*arious measurements of the casualty+s own hand are used to locate points on his body. (.-. fcasualty and operator are approximately the same si)e, the operator may use the lengths of his


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own fingers$ otherwise he must ad'ust appropriately. -ody#inches for locating points aremeasured as follows

a /ne body#inch 0 breadth of the first 'oint of the thumb.b !1 body#inch 0 breadth of the index and middle fingers held together, measured at thesecond 'oint of the index finger.

c 2 body#inches 0 distance between the second 'oint and the midpoint on the tip of the indexfinger.d 3 body#inches 0 the breadth of the four fingers held together, measured at the second 'oint ofthe index finger.

TIMING

4sually approximately 56 seconds manipulation is considered as one therapeutic cycle.7owever, there is no harm to stimulate until consciousness returns or problems are undercontrol.

RENZHONG PHILTRUM!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion% G&'()

Loca$ion%n the centre of the upper tip, atapproximately 2&3 the distance from themouth to the nose.

In"ica$ions 8otion sickness, shock, coma, asphyxia, cardiac failure, heat exhaustion, epilepsy,convulsions.

*unc$ion%%timulating this point helps the body resume and maintain normal, regular cardiacand respiratory rhythms # consequently restoring consciousness and speeding recovery fromshock.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pricking+ method, precisely on the point. f in doubt as to the preciselocation, or if the upper lip is small, press with finger broadly across the entire area. Continue tostimulate until consciousness returns.

BIGE NASAL SEPTUM!


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Meri"ian "esi#na$ion 9xtra :oint

Loca$ionn the centre of the upper lip, at the base of

the nasal septum.

In"ica$ions %hock, coma, asphyxia, respiratory failure.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pricking+ method until consciousness returns.

NOTE%This is an alternative for the :hiltrum#point (;9

Loca$ion%At the centre on the tip of thenose.

In"ica$ions %hock, coma, asphyxia, respiratory failure.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pricking+ method, upward against the tip of the nasal cartilage.

NOTE%As with -=9, use this when ;9


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/n the midline of the head, > body#inchesback from the natural hairline at the

forehead.

In"ica$ions%7eadache, di))iness, shock, stroke due to cerebral hemorrhage.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pressing+ or +rubbing+ method.

CAUTION%Take extreme care when using this point on infants whose skulls have not fullygrown together, or on casualties with any in'ury to the skull. n these cases, use another pointsuch as :hiltrum and&or nner =ate.

*ENGCHI .IN- PON-!

MERI-IAN -ESIGNATION% =-#26

Loca$ion%At the back of the head, at the base of theskull in the depressions between the largemuscles (the trape)ius, and the sterno#cleido#mastoideus # two on each side #which attach to the skull at the neck.

In"ica$ions% *ertigo (di))iness, headache, stiff neck.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +clutching+, +pressing+ or +rubbing+ method.

SHANG /INGXIANGUPPER .ELCOME'*RAGRANCE!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion%9xtra :oint

Loca$ion%/n the sides of the nose approximatelyhalfway from tip to base, in the depressionbelow the nasal bone where it meetscartilage.

In"ica$ion%osebleed (epistaxis.

Mani+u,a$ion% 4se +clutching+ or +pressing+ method # most conveniently, with one hand reachingboth sides of the nose.

NOTE%This is the preferred point for treating nosebleed$ firm pressure applied to it should stopan ordinary nosebleed within 2#3 minutes. f not # or to speed recovery # stimulate the point4pper %tar simultaneously.

TAI/ANG THE SUN!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion%9xtra :ointLoca$ion%At the temples, in the depression,


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! body#inch back from the midpoint betweenthe outer tip of the eye and the outer tip of theeyebrow.

In"ica$ions% 7eadache, including migraine.

Mani+u,a$ion 4se +pressing+ method. This spot can be tender$ nevertheless, pressing gentlybut firmly will ultimately relieve head pain. (.-. ;ubbing in circles may induce di))iness.

HEGU MEETING &ALLE/!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion% #"

Loca$ion%/n the web of the hand between the thumband index finger. To locate it, extend thumband index finger$ the point lies slightly to thefinger#side on the flesh between the bones ofthe thumb and index finger.

In"ica$ions% :ain anywhere in the body and especially in the head.

Mani+u,a$ion 4se +pressing+ method. :ress or pinch, with thumb of other hand on the point ontop of hand and with index finger below, on the palm#side of hand. :ress gently until painsubsides.

NEIGUAN INNER GATE!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion%:#5

Loca$ion%/n the inside of the wrist, more or less in themiddle, between the two largest tendons, about

two body#inches above the transverse creaseof the wrist.

In"ica$ions%%hock, angina pectoris, palpitation, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest (heartattack.

*unc$ion%%timulating this point helps to restore normal, regular cardiac rhythms (heartbeat.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pricking+ or +pressing+ method.

SHAOSHANGLESSER MERCHANT!


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MERI-IAN -ESIGNATION%#!!

Loca$ion%

/n the thumb, slightly below and to the outsideof the base of the nail.

In"ica$ions%Coma, respiratory failure, stroke.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pricking+ method.

SHENSHU 0I-NE/ POINT!

MERI-IAN -ESIGNATION%5#23

Loca$ion%/n the back, at the level of the umbilicus.8ore technically, this point lies !.> body#inches to the side of the lower end of thespinous process of the second lumbarvertebra, in the muscles.

In"ica$ion%7ypothermia (low body temperature$ general weakness$ kidney problems.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pushing+, +pressing+ or +rubbing+ method. n cases of general weakness,

apply heat.

SHANG.AN T.O CA&ITIES!

ZHONG.ANMI--LE CA&IT/!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion%C*#!2

Loca$ion%/n the midline of theabdomen, " body#inchesdirectly above the

umbilicus (-elly -utton.SHANG.AN UPPER CA&IT/!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion%C*#!3

Loca$ion% /n the midlineof the abdomen, > body#inches directly above theumbilicus.

1 *OR BOTH%In"ica$ions%*omiting, stomachache, abdominal distention, gastritis, gastrectasis, stomach

spasm.


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*unc$ion%stimulating either or both points helps normali)e gastric secretions and contractions,hence calming the stomach.

Mani+u,a$ion% 4se +pressing+, +rubbing+ or +pushing+ methods. @hen treating motion sickness,use the +rubbing+ method because direct pressure may induce vomiting.

-ANTIAN

OIHAI SEA O* 2I!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion%C*#5

Loca$ion%/n the midline of theabdomen, !.> body#inchesbelow the umbilicus.

GUAN/UANHINGE AT THESOURCE!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion%C*#"

Loca$ion%/n the midline of theabdomen, 3 body#inchesbelow the umbilicus.

3 *OR BOTH%In"ica$ions%:roblems of the lower abdomen (e.g., pain, distention, diarrhea$ manygynecological problems$ general weakness.

Mani+u,a$ion% 4se +pushing+, +pressing+, or +rubbing+ method.

NOTE% These points may also be used on a regular basis to protect and strengthen health. orthis purpose, rub the points 3 # > minutes, daily.

ZUSANLI LEG'4'MILES!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion%%#35

Loca$ion%/n the leg, 3 body#inches below the loweredge of the kneecap and ! body#inch to theoutside of the shinbone.

In"ica$ions%%hock$ fever$ disorders of the intestinal tract (e.g., gastritis, enteritis, diarrhea$hypertension$ general weakness.

*unc$ion%To regulate the spleen and stomach.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pressing+ method. n cases of general weakness, apply heat.

NOTE% This point may be used on a regular basis to prevent disease and promote health. orthis purpose, press or rub the point 3 # > minutes daily.

.EIZHONGCOMMAN-ING CENTRE!


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Meri"ian "esi#na$ion% D#>"

Loca$ion%At the back of the knee, in the middle of thetransverse crease.

In"ica$ions% %pasm of the calf muscle$ low back pain.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pressing+ or +rubbing+ method until it brings relief.

NOTE 4se this point simultaneously with %upport the 8ountain (C79=%7A$ one hand canreach both points.

CHENGSHANSUPPORT THE MOUNTAIN!

Meri"ian "esi#na$ion%-#>E

Loca$ion%/n the back of the lower leg, roughly midwaybetween the back of the knee and the heel. Thepoint can be found precisely by stretching thefoot as if standing on tip#toe, and locating thepoint at the top of the v#shaped or triangulardepression in the middle of the calf muscle.

In"ica$ions%%pasm of the calf (gastrocnemius muscle$ pain of lower leg.

Mani+u,a$ion%4se +pressing+, +pushing+ or +rapping+ method.

NOTE /f the two points recommended for leg cramp (also see Commanding Centre,@9


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AcupunturaBasic Theory