Therapies... - Acupressure - ... And Their Points

Acupuncture/acupressure points, or acupoints, are locations where meridians come close to the skin and are often found in depressions between bones, muscles, or tendons. The points are identified by the abbreviation of its meridian and a specific number. For example, "LI 11" refers to point 11 on the large intestine meridian, while "BL 61" refers to point 61 on the bladder meridian. Points often occur in symmetrical pairs, with one point on the left side of your body and another in the same location on the right side of your body.

When undergoing an acupressure session, treatment typically involves combining points near pain or tension (local points) with points that do not appear directly related to the pain or tension in question (trigger points). Trigger points are used as they are connected to other points along the meridian pathway.

Some points are more sensitive than others, affecting response. Before treating yourself, it is recommended that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with this healing technique and the location of meridians, their corresponding acupressure points, and the effect each point can have on other areas of the body.

In TCM, points are poetically named, for example, "Harmonious River", "Heaven's Window", "Hidden Rabbit", "Order's Edge", and "Silken Bamboo Hollow".