SPECIFIC ACUPUNCTURE POINTS in acupuncture

SPECIFIC ACUPUNCTURE POINTS

As mentioned above, among the acupuncture points of the fourteen channels, a num­ber have specific properties. They are grouped together under special names as follows:

1. Five Shu Acupuncture points

Along each of the twelve regular channels, below the elbow or knee, lie five specific acupuncture points , namely, Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River and He-Sea. They are arranged in the above order from the distal ends of the limbs to the elbow or knee. These names image the flow of qi along the channels as the movement of water. Jing-Well is the place where the qi of the channel starts to bubble. Ying-Spring is where the qi of the channel starts to flourish. Shu-Stream is where the qi of the channel flourishes. Jing-River is where the qi of the channel increases in abundance. Finally, He-Sea represents the confluence of rivers in the sea, where the qi of the channel is the most flourishing.

The therapeutic properties of the Five Shu Acupuncture points are as follows: Jing-Well Acupuncture points are indicated in mental illness and a stifling sensation in the chest, Ying-Spring Acupuncture points in febrile diseases, Shu-Stream Acupuncture points in bi syndrome (painful joints) caused by pathogenic wind and damp, Jing-River Acupuncture points in asthma, cough and throat disorders, and He-Sea Acupuncture points in dis­orders of the intestines, stomach and the other fu organs. (Each of the six fu organs has a He-Sea Point in the three yang channels of foot respec­tively, known as the Inferior He-Sea Point.)

2. Yuan (Source) Acupuncture points

Each of the twelve regular channels has a Yuan (Source) Point in the extremities where the original qi is retained. In the yin channels, the Yuan (Source) Acupuncture points coincide with the Shu-Stream Acupuncture points of the Five Shu Acupuncture points . The Yuan (Source) Acupuncture points are of great significance in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of channels and zang-fu organs.

3. Luo (Connecting) Acupuncture points

Each of the twelve regular channels has a collateral in the extremities connecting a definite pair of yin and yang channels which are externally-internally related. In the trunk, there are the collaterals of the Ren and Du Channels and the major collateral of the spleen distributed respec­tively in the posterior, anterior and lateral aspects of the body. Each of the collaterals has a Luo (Connecting) Point, making 15 in all. A Luo (Con­necting) Point is used to treat diseases which involve the two externally-internally related channels and also diseases in the area supplied by the two channels.

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Description of acupuncture

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting a acupuncture needle or needles into certain

points in the body for therapeutic purposes. Needles used for acupuncture

in the United States are most commonly made of sterilized stainless steel

and designed for single use. The needles may be stimulated further after

insertion by manual movement, heat, or electricity.

Acupuncture originated in ancient China, where it was believed that all

illness could be traced to the imbalance of an animating energy flow

known as Qi (pronounced ''chi'') that ran in meridians (or channels) within

the body. According to acupuncture theory, the insertion of needles in

discrete locations or acupuncture points along these meridians in various

combinations and patterns results in the restoration of orderly energy flow

and a subsequent return to health [1]. The World Health Organization

standard acupuncture nomenclature recognizes 20 meridians and approximately

400 acupuncture points [2]. Only recently has acupuncture been

studied rigorously enough to draw scientific conclusions about its efficacy

or lack thereof.

History of acupuncture

The first comprehensive reference to acupuncture as a medical treatment

is found in an ancient Chinese medical textbook dating approximately to the

first century

BC. It is very likely, however, that acupuncture existed for a considerable

time before this textbook. A practice highly reminiscent of acupuncture

that used red-hot irons rather than needles to cauterize the skin

was known to the pre-Islamic Arabs and ancient Egyptians [3].

European missionaries who observed the therapy and its apparently

miraculous effects transmitted the first reports of acupuncture to the West

300 years ago. A period of practice and experimentation ensued in Europe

before the practice gradually declined. During the past 30 years, there has

been resurgence in popularity of the technique. Currently, acupuncture is

practiced widely in the United States by increasing numbers of physicians,

dentists, veterinarians, and lay acupuncturists. It is available in all states,

and its use by the public is growing [4]. As new research and more sophisticated

models of the physiology of pain and disease make the principles

behind its effectiveness more comprehensible, its use is likely to increase.

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the benefit of acupuncture

Before we begin a discussion about the benefits of acupuncture, let's talk about the origins of acupuncture. It was first used in China over 2000 years ago, and is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. It is a family of procedures that stimulates the anatomy of the body and helps to balance the energy flow throughout the body. It is this kind of acupuncture that is practiced in the United Sates today, through the use of tiny, metallic needles placed in affected areas and manipulated by hand or by electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture is the basic foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on the belief that there are two opposing and inseparable forces within our body. They are known as the Yin and Yang of the entire person. The Yin is representative of the cold, slow, or passive principle, and yang represents the hot, excited or active principle. A healthy state is achieved by maintaining a balance state of the yin and yang.

This is done through vital pathways or meridians that allow for the flow of qi, or vital energy. The vital energy flow occurs along pathways known as meridians. These meridians connect over 2,000 acupuncture points along the body. There are 12 main meridians, and 8 secondary meridians. Although traditional western medicine does not completely understand how acupuncture works, the proof that it does work has been shown in several studies conducted by western medical facilities.

Now, let's move to the question of does it work? According to the National Institute of Health, the answer would be yes. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in many areas of health care. Areas such as postoperative nausea, chemotherapy side effects, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, headache, menstrual cramps, addiction, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, just to name a few. The study revealed that acupuncture was able to provide pain relief, improve function and mobility of joints due to arthritis inflammation, and served to complement standard care.

Although there are many who would doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture, once they are a patient, they are believers. It has been proposed that acupuncture works and produces its effects through regulating the nervous system. The theory proposes that since acupuncture produces its effect through regulation of the nervous system, it induces the release of endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites on the body. So , when we use acupuncture needles we modify those aspects. There is also the theory that acupuncture alters the brain chemistry by the changing the neurotransmitters in the brain.

Without doubt acupuncture was a benefit in the study, and as a patient myself, I can vouch for the wonderful effect it has had on my back. Although acupuncture is classified as an alternative medicine therapy, and there is still much to be understood about the way it works, it is a proven aid in maintaining optimal health. But what about the well individual, can acupuncture provide a benefit to them? Absolutely. Because acupuncture works off the belief that we must maintain balance of our vital energy flow in order to remain healthy, acupuncture serves as the tool for realignment. Our vital energy flow can be out of balance, and we still feel and appear quite healthy. It is in this capacity that acupuncture serves as a sort of preventive medicine. Checking and balancing the flow of energy on the meridian points in your body is like your car receiving a tune-up before it is in need of a repair.

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