How to Precisely Locate Body Acupoints?
To accurately locate acupoints in the body, it is necessary to understand the concept of "cun" in traditional Chinese medicine and seek out reactions to find the acupoints. Acupoints are also known as shu-points, meridians, or pores. Shu-points are classified into three types: jing-points, qi-points, and ashi-points. When unfolding an acupoint chart, one can see a dense array of acupoints, including 362 jing-points with specific names and locations. There are also numerous qi-points, which have both names and defined locations but are not included in the fourteen meridians system, and are therefore referred to as extra-meridian qi-points or extra-meridian points. Examples include Taiyang point for treating headaches and Yaoyan point for treating low back pain. Ashi-points have no specific names or fixed locations, and their positions are determined by tenderness and reaction points. Ashi-points are the easiest to find and often have the most significant therapeutic effects.
To correctly locate acupoints, it is essential to understand what is meant by "1 cun, 2 cun, 3 cun" in traditional Chinese medicine. The cun referenced in traditional Chinese medicine is measured based on the width of the fingers of the person receiving the massage. Therefore, we should use our own fingers for measurement. Of course, experienced Chinese medicine practitioners have a precise understanding of the locations of acupoints and can quickly find the correct positions without relying on finger measurements.
When searching for acupoints, it is crucial to observe reactions. When the body experiences abnormalities, various reactions may appear on sensitive acupoints. These reactions include tenderness, which manifests as pain when pressed; hardness, indicated by the presence of lumps that can be felt with finger palpation; hypersensitivity, where the skin becomes itchy with slight stimulation; pigmentation changes, such as the appearance of moles or spots; and temperature changes, such as feeling cold or hot. When searching for acupoints, gently pressing, squeezing, and pinching the area can help identify the presence of these reactions, thereby indicating the location of the acupoint.
