The Theory behind Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points used for treatment may or may not be in the same body region as the symptom. The traditional Chinese medicinal theory is that the selection of these points is based on the fact that they stimulate the meridian system and bring relief to ailments by rebalancing the yin and yang in our body and regulating the flow of chi.

Body acupuncture points are located by using a unit of measure called the ‘cun’.
This is calculated in accordance with the proportional distances from various landmarks on the body. Acupuncture points, therefore, are determined by these landmark points.

These anatomical landmarks are determined by palpation, by which we mean the ability to diagnose illness by touch. There are some 400 acupuncture points recognized by the World Health Organization on the meridians.

Some basic points are very rarely used. Some are used much more frequently and are more ‘valuable’ than others because they can treat many different conditions. Location of acupuncture points by feeling for tenderness of the skin is a common way. Acupuncture points can also be found by looking for minute changes in temperature on the skin surface and even the ‘stickiness’ of the skin or tissue.
Body acupuncture points are referred to by their traditional Chinese names or through the meridians on which they are found, followed by a number. This indicates the order of the point on the actual meridian.

For example, a common point on the hand is the ‘hegu’. It is also known as LI4 which means that is the fourth point on the long intestine meridian.