There are fifty-nine meridians in the body, with twelve "main" meridians dominating the others. Qi flows from one meridian to another in a specific order, delivering energy to every part of the body. In addition, there are eight "extraordinary", twelve "muscle", and fifteen "connecting" meridians. These branches of the twelve main meridians facilitate the distribution of qi to areas not covered by the main meridians.
The entire network creates a fine, intricate grid with a seemingly limitless combination of pathways. The goal of the acupuncturist is to determine the most likely and frequent patterns of flow emanating from and to the organs and apply their healing approach accordingly.
Organ-Specific Meridians
Each of the twelve dominating meridians represents a biological energy system centered on one of the twelve vital organs, which includes the pericardium and triple-burner/tri-heater (part of a broader TCM conceptual framework of the body). Six flow primarily up the front of the body, for the kidneys (KI), large intestine (LI), liver (LIV), lungs (LU), pericardium (P/PC), spleen (SP), and stomach (ST), while the remaining six run primarily down the back of the body, for the bladder (BL), gallbladder (GB), heart (HT), small intestine (SI), and "Tri-heater" (TH). Stimulating an acupuncture point on one of the main meridians affects the connected organ and has a general effect on the entire system.
The Eight Extraordinary Channels
Another set of medians, referred to as the eight extraordinary channels, course through the body on routes not directly related to the major organs. Two of these meridians are used in acupuncture: the conception vessel and the governing vessel. The conception vessel flows from the head to the perineum (the space between the anus and the genitals) along the front of the body and is linked with the digestive and reproductive systems. The governing vessel flows from the tailbone at the base of the spine, along the back of the body, and over the top of the head to the centre of the upper lip and is linked with the brain, spinal column, and nervous system.
... 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 acupuncture 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.
In TCM, points are poetically named, for example, "Sea of Tranquillity", "Welcoming Perfume", and "Wind of Heaven".
Sample Points
The following are a sampling of acupoints used to deal with a variety of common ailments.
Gallbladder meridian.
Specific location: Back of the head at the base of the skull -- there is one on either side of the spine. Using these points simultaneously helps relieve headaches and the common cold.
Large intestine meridian.
Specific location: Back of either hand in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Effective for nausea and headaches. NOTE: This point should not be used by pregnant women, as stimulation of this point can result in uterine contractions.
Large intestine meridian.
Specific location: Top of the elbow crease on either arm. Used to treat headache and fever associated with the common cold.
Pericardium meridian.
Specific location: Inside surface of the wrist, three finger-widths above the wrist crease. Effective for stomach upset such as nausea and vomiting.
Small intestine meridian.
Specific location: Front of the ear canal on either side of the face. Effective for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Spleen meridian.
Specific location: Front of either ankle joint. Effective for heartburn.
Spleen meridian.
Specific location: Approximately four finger-widths above the ankle on the inside of either leg. Effective for menstrual cramps.
Stomach meridian.
Specific location: Between the jaw and skull beneath either ear. Effective for facial pain, including that from TMJ.
Stomach meridian.
Specific location: A few inches below the kneecap on the front of either leg. Effective for pain localized in the front of the head and headaches focused on the front of the head.
Stomach meridian.
Specific location: The top of either foot in the webbing between the tendons of the second and third toes. Effective for nausea and vomiting.
Needle Notes
For most people, the thought of having needles inserted into the body evokes unpleasant memories of vaccination sessions at the doctor. However, acupuncture is quite different.
Needles are inserted in less sensitive areas of the body and most people feel only an initial minimal pain that quickly subsides. The stainless steel needles are very small (0.022 - 0.025mm thick), about the thickness of a human hair, and have smooth points. Two to three acupuncture needles can fit in the barrel of a regular hypodermic needle. They are also less painful than a hypodermic injection, with its sharp cutting edge.
The number of needles used varies from two to fifteen. In general, six to eight needles are used per session. Needles may also be very short and have a circular end that is covered with adhesive for special applications. This technique is commonly used for treating situations of substance abuse where the needle is adhered to a point on the ear and can be stimulated when the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms.
Electroacupuncture
In addition to small needles, your acupuncturist may use a mild electrical current to stimulate acupuncture points. The current is applied either through small electrodes placed on the skin or needles that have already been inserted.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Acupuncture is widely accepted as an effective healing method for pain management. This therapy can be used to tone muscle and improve circulation in sprained / strained / swollen muscles and joints resulting from injury. It is also commonly used to treat lower back pain, chronic pain, tennis elbow, and pain from kidney stones. By pressing various pressure points, muscle tension is relieved, muscle fibres relax and lengthen, blood flows more freely to the injury, and swelling is reduced. The pressure stimulation also promotes the release of neurotransmitters that inhibit the reception and transmission of pain.
Nausea related to anesthesia, cancer therapy, motion sickness, and pregnancy can all benefit from acupuncture by focusing on the P(C) 6 point on the wrist. Sea bands can also be used (see below).
Alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking dependency, and various forms of substance abuse (cocaine, heroin, et cetera) can all be treated with a special acupuncture technique. Your acupuncture practitioner will likely attach a very short, circular needle to a point on your ear. When you experience withdrawal symptoms, simply press this point and the craving will subside. Acupuncture also makes for an excellent complement to any substance abuse detoxification program.
Arthritis, asthma, and depression respond favourably to acupuncture, as acupoint stimulation triggers the release of the neurochemicals serotonin and cortisol. Serotonin promotes a general feeling of well-being, while cortisol helps reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture also promotes general hormonal balance and increases white blood cell count. Many people also respond well to acupuncture when dealing with allergies, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), headaches, migraines, premenstrual syndrome, or stress. Weight loss is often a "fringe benefit" of acupuncture treatments.
Sea Bands
Sea bands are elastic wrist straps that contain a small bump designed to apply continuous pressure to the P(C) 6 point on the wrist. The bands are most popular with sailors to combat sea sickness and pregnant women dealing with morning sickness. For more information on pressure-related acupuncture techniques, see Acupressure.
Acupuncture Certification
Health practitioners practicing acupuncture should be properly licensed or certified. Ideally, obtain recommendations from friends or family who have employed the services of the practitioner in the past.
Your naturopath or other health practitioner may also practice acupuncture as a complement to their existing knowledge base.
Typical Session(s)
Your acupuncturist will first sit down with you and discuss both the ailment/condition at hand and various life factors such as eating and drinking habits, bowel regularity, emotional dynamics, menstruation (if applicable), seasonal changes, sleeping patterns, and when and where the ailment/condition occurs. He or she will focus on detecting imbalance(s) in your body and seek to restore balance through the use of acupuncture, acupressure, dietary changes, herbal medicine, and massage. Your acupuncturist will also spend some time listening to your pulse along the twelve major meridians and your tongue will be checked for texture, colour, size, and moisture levels. These observations help personalize the healing approach.
Acupuncture needles are inserted to a depth of 0.25 to 3 centimetres (1/8 to 11/4 inches), depending on a number of factors including your body size and the goals of influencing qi. The needles will be left in place for several seconds to one hour, with an average time of twenty minutes. In addition to inserting needles, he or she may twirl the needle when in place, provide electric stimulation (electroacupuncture), or use heat lamps to increase stimulation.
Your acupuncturist should examine the needles after use to ensure the entire unit has been removed from the body. In some cases, the tip may be left behind and, if unintentional, should be removed. Circular-tipped needles are used for prolonged stimulation.
For more information on needle safety, see "Needle Know-How" under Contraindications ..., below.
The number of treatments varies according to the condition and individual response. Typical visits occur once a week for several months, followed by a monthly "maintenance" visit. In some cases, one visit may be enough. Chronic conditions may require one to two treatments weekly for several months.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
It is important to be knowledgeable with the acupuncture points you are dealing with. Stimulation of some points can cause undesirable effects and may aggravate a condition. In addition, some points should be avoided when dealing with certain conditions. Consult with your acupuncturist, naturopath, or other health practitioner when first undergoing acupuncture therapy to ensure you are working with correct point or series of points.
Needle Know-How
Most acupuncturists use sterile, disposable needles as poor sterilization methods can lead to infection and transmission of blood-borne infections such as AIDS and hepatitis. Be sure to ask your practitioner if he or she uses disposable needles. If they do not, inquire as to their sterilization protocol. Do not undergo treatment if you are not comfortable with their response.
Acupuncture and Pregnancy
Although acupuncture can relieve morning sickness during pregnancy, not all acupuncture points are safe for use by pregnant women. Many will induce uterine contractions if stimulated. Consult with your acupuncturist, naturopath, or other health practitioner before undergoing acupuncture therapy to determine the appropriateness of this healing method for your needs.
Contacts
Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute
2131 Lawrence Avenue East, Suite 204
Scarborough, Ontario
M1R 5G4
Tel.: 416.752.3988
Fax: 416.752.4398
Web: www.afcinstitute.com/afci.html
Email: info@afcinstitute.com
Ontario Acupuncture Examination Committee
P.O. Box 54120, 500 Lawrence Avenue West
Toronto, Ontario
M6A 3B7
Tel.: 905.896.1045
Web: www.medicinechinese.com
American Association of Oriental Medicine
433 Front Street
Catasauqua, Pennsylvania
18032
Tel.: 610.266.1433
Toll-Free: 1.888.500.7999
Fax: 610.264.2768
Web: www.aaom.org
Email: aaoml@aol.com
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300
Alexandria, Virginia
22314
Tel.: 703.548.9004
Fax: 703.548.9079
Web: www.nccaom.org
Email: info@nccaom.org
British Acupuncture Council
63 Jeddo Road
London
W12 9HQ
United Kingdom
Tel.: 044.0.20.8735.0400
Fax: 044.0.20.8735.0404
Web: www.acupuncture.org.uk
Email: info@acupuncture.org.uk
British Acupuncture Association and Register
22 Hockley Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 8EB
Acupuncture Online -- General resource on acupuncture and other TCM components.
Ailment / Situation Listing
See also
Acupressure
