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.
MANIPULATING
Six common methods are mentioned here:
- PUSHING: To rub upward and downward in a straight line on the surface of the skin;
- CLUTCHING: To clutch and press muscles or ligaments with thumb and fingers of one hand;
- PRESSING: To press the "point" with thumb, finger, knuckle or elbow and maintain the pressure;
- RUBBING: To make circular movements on the point with thumb, fingertip or heel of the palm;
- PRICKING: To prick accurately 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
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.
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) 1½ 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.
 |
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) |  |
| Meridian designation: Extra Point | |
| Location:
In the centre of the upper lip, at the base of the nasal septum. |
Indications: Shock, coma, asphyxia, respiratory failure.
Manipulation: Use 'pricking' method until consciousness returns.
NOTE: This is an alternative for the Philtrum-point (RENZHONG), when that point is inaccessible, such as during mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
| SULIAO (PLAIN SEAM) |  |
| Meridian designation: GV-25 | |
| Location: At the centre on the tip of the nose. |
Indications: Shock, coma, asphyxia, respiratory failure.
Manipulation: Use 'pricking' method, upward against the tip of the nasal cartilage.
NOTE: As with BIGE, use this when RENZHONG is inaccessible.
| SHANGXING
(UPPER STAR) |
 |
| Meridian designation: GV-23 | |
| Location:
On the midline of the head, 1 body-inch above the natural hairline at the forehead. |
Indications: Nosebleed (epistaxis).
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' method.
NOTE: You may use this point simultaneously with Upper Welcome - Fragrance (SHANG YINGXIANG).
| BAIHUI (HUNDRED MEETINGS) |
 |
| Meridian designation: GV-20 | |
| Location:
On the midline of the head, 5 body-inches back from the natural hairline at the forehead. |
Indications: Headache, dizziness, shock, stroke due to cerebral hemorrhage.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' or 'rubbing' method.
CAUTION: Take extreme care when using this point on infants whose skulls have not fully grown together, or on casualties with any injury to the skull. In these cases, use another point such as Philtrum and/or Inner Gate.
Indications: Vertigo (dizziness), headache, stiff neck.
Manipulation: Use 'clutching', 'pressing' or 'rubbing' method.
 |
|
| Meridian designation: Extra Point | |
| Location:
On the sides of the nose approximately halfway from tip to base, in the depression below the nasal bone where it meets cartilage. |
Indication: Nosebleed (epistaxis).
Manipulation: Use 'clutching' or 'pressing' method - most conveniently, with one hand reaching both sides of the nose.
NOTE: This is the preferred point for treating nosebleed; firm pressure applied to it should stop an ordinary nosebleed within 2-3 minutes. If not - or to speed recovery - stimulate the point Upper Star simultaneously.
| TAIYANG (THE SUN) |  |
| Meridian designation: Extra Point | |
| Location: At the temples, in the depression, 1 body-inch back from the midpoint between the outer tip of the eye and the outer tip of the eyebrow. |
Indications: Headache, including migraine.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' method. This spot can be tender; nevertheless, pressing gently but firmly will ultimately relieve head pain. (N.B. Rubbing in circles may induce dizziness.)
Indications: Pain anywhere in the body and especially in the head.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' method. Press or pinch, with thumb of other hand on the point on top of hand and with index finger below, on the palm-side of hand. Press gently until pain subsides.
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) |
 |
| MERIDIAN DESIGNATION: L-11 | |
| Location: On the thumb, slightly below and to the outside of the base of the nail. |
Indications: Coma, respiratory failure, stroke.
Manipulation: Use 'pricking' method.
Indication: Hypothermia (low body temperature); general weakness; kidney problems.
Manipulation: Use 'pushing', 'pressing' or 'rubbing' method. In cases of general weakness, apply heat.
SHANGWAN (TWO CAVITIES)
* FOR BOTH:
Indications: Vomiting, stomachache, abdominal distention, gastritis,
gastrectasis, stomach spasm.
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
' 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) |
 |
| Meridian designation: 8-54 | |
| Location: At the back of the knee, in the middle of the transverse crease. |
Indications: Spasm of the calf muscle; low back pain.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' or 'rubbing' method until it brings relief.
NOTE: Use this point simultaneously with Support the Mountain (CHENGSHAN); one hand can reach both points.
 |
|
| Meridian designation: B-57 | |
| 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 calf (gastrocnemius) muscle; pain of lower leg.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing', 'pushing' or 'rapping' method.
NOTE: Of the two points recommended for leg cramp (also see Commanding Centre, WEIZHONG), this is preferred; in difficult cases, or for speedier recovery, use both simultaneously.
| TAICHONG
(GREAT POURING) |
 |
| Meridian designation: LI-3 | |
| Location:
Between the metatarsal bones of the 1st and 2nd toes, 2 body-inches behind the margin of the web. |
Indications: Spasm of the joints of the lower extremities, especially the toes.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' or 'pricking' method.
Indications: Shock, sunstroke, hypertension, convulsion, epilepsy, spasm of toes.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' or 'pricking' method. In cases of general weakness, use heat.
NOTE: This point may be used in emergencies (e.g., shock), and on a regular basis to maintain and improve health. To promote health, press or rub the point 3- 5 minutes at least once daily.