Acupuncture points

From ArticleWorld

Acupuncture points are used in acupuncture, acupressure, sonopuncture and laser treatment. Traditional Chinese therapies believe pressure points are situated on meridians, or channels through which a vital energy called 'qi' flows and which run through and connect all the parts of the body. Therefore, if there is a blockage in one area of the channel, this has an effect on all of the body. Manipulation of the acupuncture points through massage or the insertion of needles unplug the channels and restore balance and harmony to the body by allowing the energy to flow freely once more.

Meridians

Each acupuncture point is believed to be connected to a certain organ or part of the body. There are twelve main meridians and eight extra ones running vertically, bilaterally and symmetrically through the body and of the main meridians, ten are named after organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. There are also some therapies that use microsystems of acupoints that are not on a meridian but cluster in a specific area; on the ear, for example, or on the hand.

Changes in the skin

They can be found by palpitating an area of skin and finding a natural depression. Very small differences in temperature or texture of the skin are also indicative of an acupuncture point. There are about 400 points but not all of them are used and some are considered more therapeutic than others.