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Theories of traditional Chinese medicine and knowledge of human physiology together explain
the effectiveness of acupressure. Although an understanding in Chinese medicine is not
necessary to use the points for first aid, brief acquaintance with the theory may lend coherence
to the practice.
According to Chinese understanding, life is the flow of vital energy (chi ) through the body in a
continuous circuit. 14 lines - or meridians - comprise the circuit in a human body; each is
associated with specific internal organs, external body parts, and physiological functions; along
each lie specific points which control or influence the energy flow. Sudden shock, illness or
disease interferes with this flow of energy. Thus, symptoms will/may appear in parts of the body
distant from the site of injury, and points on the body apparently unrelated to a problem may be
able to influence the problem via the meridians.
Specifically, stimulating the appropriate points can:
regulate the function of intemal organs, e.g., normalize 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 normalizing gland and nerve function.
Techniques
MANIPULATING
Six common methods are mentioned here:
1. PUSHING: To rub upward and downward in a straight line on the surface of the
skin;
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;
4. RUBBING: To make circular movements on the point with thumb, fingertip or
heel of the palm;
5. PRICKING: To prick accurately with force on the point with single finger, the
sharp edge of the fingernail or knuckle;
6. RAPPING: To rap (strike) with palm(s) or fist(s).
EXERTING PROPER PRESSURE
Using the proper degree of force or pressure is crucial to beneficial treatment. Too little
force will not stimulate effectively, while too great will exhaust the operator and may
increase the casualty's discomfort unnecessarily. Pressure must be firm but sympathetic;
the casualty should experience SORENESS, NUMBNESS, DISTENTION OR
HEAVINESS in the area treated. This indicates that treatment is taking effect.
LOCATING THE POINTS
Various measurements of the casualty's own hand are used to locate points on his body. (N.B. If
casualty and operator are approximately the same size, the operator may use the lengths of his
own fingers; otherwise he must adjust appropriately.) Body-inches for locating points are
measured as follows:
a) One body-inch = breadth of the first joint of the thumb.
b) 1 body-inch = breadth of the index and middle fingers held together, measured at the
second joint of the index finger.
c) 2 body-inches = distance between the second joint and the midpoint on the tip of the index
finger.
d) 3 body-inches = the breadth of the four fingers held together, measured at the second joint of
the index finger.
TIMING
Usually approximately 60 seconds manipulation is considered as one therapeutic cycle.
However, there is no harm to stimulate until consciousness returns or problems are under
control.
RENZHONG (PHILTRUM)
Meridian designation: GV-26
Location:
In the centre of the upper tip, at
approximately 2/3 the distance from the
mouth to the nose.
Indications: Motion sickness, shock, coma, asphyxia, cardiac failure, heat exhaustion, epilepsy,
convulsions.
Function: Stimulating this point helps the body resume and maintain normal, regular cardiac
and respiratory rhythms - consequently restoring consciousness and speeding recovery from
shock.
Manipulation: Use 'pricking' method, precisely on the point. If in doubt as to the precise
location, or if the upper lip is small, press with finger broadly across the entire area. Continue to
stimulate until consciousness returns.
BIGE (NASAL SEPTUM)
Location:
In the centre of the upper lip, at the base of
the nasal septum.
Location:
On the inside of the wrist, more or less in the
middle, between the two largest tendons, about
two body-inches above the transverse crease
of the wrist.
Indications: Shock, angina pectoris, palpitation, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest (heart
attack).
Function: Stimulating this point helps to restore normal, regular cardiac rhythms (heartbeat).
Manipulation: Use 'pricking' or 'pressing' method.
SHAOSHANG
(LESSER MERCHANT)
Location:
On the thumb, slightly below and to the outside
of the base of the nail.
Function: stimulating either or both points helps normalize gastric secretions and contractions,
hence calming the stomach.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing', 'rubbing' or 'pushing' methods. When treating motion sickness,
use the 'rubbing' method because direct pressure may induce vomiting.
DANTIAN
OIHAI (SEA OF QI)
Meridian designation:
CV-6
Location:
On the midline of the
abdomen, 1.5 body-inches
below the umbilicus.
GUANYUAN
(HINGE AT THE
SOURCE)
Meridian designation:
CV-4
Location:
On the midline of the
abdomen, 3 body-inches
below the umbilicus.
' FOR BOTH:
Indications: Problems of the lower abdomen (e.g., pain, distention, diarrhea); many
gynecological problems; general weakness.
Manipulation: Use 'pushing', 'pressing', or 'rubbing' method.
NOTE: These points may also be used on a regular basis to protect and strengthen health. For
this purpose, rub the points 3 - 5 minutes, daily.
ZUSANLI (LEG-3-MILES)
Meridian designation: S-36
Location:
On the leg, 3 body-inches below the lower
edge of the kneecap and 1 body-inch to the
outside of the shinbone.
Indications: Shock; fever; disorders of the intestinal tract (e.g., gastritis, enteritis, diarrhea);
hypertension; general weakness.
Function: To regulate the spleen and stomach.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' method. In cases of general weakness, apply heat.
NOTE: This point may be used on a regular basis to prevent disease and promote health. For
this purpose, press or rub the point 3 - 5 minutes daily.
WEIZHONG
(COMMANDING CENTRE)
Location:
At the back of the knee, in the middle of the
transverse crease.
Location:
On the back of the lower leg, roughly midway
between the back of the knee and the heel. The
point can be found precisely by stretching the
foot as if standing on tip-toe, and locating the
point at the top of the v-shaped or triangular
depression in the middle of the calf muscle.
Indications: Spasm of the joints of the lower extremities, especially the toes.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' or 'pricking' method.
YONGQUAN
(GUSHING SPRING)
Meridian designation: K-1
Location:
On the sole of the foot, at a point one-third of
the distance from the base of the 2nd toe to the
back of the heel, between the 2nd and 3rd
metatarsal bones.