Introductory information related to acupuncture.
Below you will find commonly used acupressure points located on the legs and feet. Acupressure points on the legs and feet are used for a very wide range of conditions including digestive problems, stress and anxiety, insomnia, hot flashes, headaches, PMS, and more. For acupressure points on other parts of the body, or for a general introduction to acupressure, please read the appropriate section:
Below you will find commonly used acupressure points located on the chest and abdomen. Chest and abdomen points are helpful for a range of conditions including fatigue, breathing problems, digestive issues, anxiety and other emotional imbalances and more. For acupressure points on other parts of the body, or for a general introduction to acupressure, please read the appropriate section:
Below you will find commonly used acupressure points located on the arms and hands. Acupressure on the arm and hand points aids a number of conditions including headaches, nausea, breathing problems, sinus issues, stress, anxiety and more. For acupressure points on other parts of the body, or for a general introduction to acupressure, please read the appropriate section:
Below you will find commonly used acupressure points located on the head, scalp and shoulder areas. Head and scalp points are helpful for a range of conditions from headaches and dizziness to excessive thinking and insomnia. The shoulder points aid shoulder pain but help other issues as well. For acupressure points on other parts of the body, or for a general introduction to acupressure, please read the appropriate section:
The theories and treatment protocols for acupuncture can be fairly technical, complex, and overwhelming for those seeking to utilize acupressure as a form of self-treatment.
One of the most common questions that people ask about acupuncture is: "Why does my acupuncturist check my pulse?"
Pulse and tongue diagnosis are two of the more important diagnostic tools in Chinese medicine. They are both used to derive a TCM diagnosis for your condition which is used to plan your treatment. Of the diagnostic tools, pulse diagnosis is one of the more important tools used in Chinese and Japanese acupuncture and herbal medicine. While tongue diagnosis provides valuable clinical information, the pulse can be used to gain a deep understanding of the patient on many levels. "Mastering" pulse diagnosis is difficult without the guidance of a skilled teacher. Even at basic levels, however, the pulse provides immediate and specific information that can help clarify contradictory diagnostic information and symptomology.
One of the most common questions that people ask about acupuncture is: "Why does my acupuncturist look at my tongue?"
Qi, pronounced "chee", means energy. You may see it spelled "Chi" or even "Ki" in Japanese, but they all carry the same meaning. Qi is the energy of the body, of the meridians, of food, of the universe. While it may seem a nebulous topic there are refined theories regarding the different types of Qi within the body, the creation and actions of Qi and, consequently, ways to determine where imbalances may arise.
Basic Types of Qi
Within the body there are two basic types of Qi. Congenital Qi is the Qi that we are born with. It is essentially limited and the quality and amount of this Qi represents our basic constitution. Acquired Qi, on the other hand, is derived from the foods we eat and the air that we breath. The quality of acquired Qi depends on our lifestyle habits such as food quality, balance of emotions, physical exercise and so on. The details regarding these two basic types of Qi are below:
Five element theory is one of the major systems of thought within Chinese medicine. From a historical perspective it is an important underpinning of medical theory and serves as one of the major diagnostic and treatment protocols. In modern clinical practice the five element theory is used in varying degrees depending on the practitioner and style of acupuncture that they practice.
For practitioners or Traditional Chinese Medicine, the theory may be used to help form a diagnosis when there is conflicting signs and symptoms. Additionally, elements of the theory are useful for assisting patients with nutritional balancing and/or working through emotional issues. The theory is used extensively by Japanese acupuncturists within the five phase treatment protocols and by Classical five element practitioners, such as those who follow the teachings of the late J.R. Worsley. The information below discusses the Five Element theory and clinical applications in detail.
Yin and Yang are the two interrelated forces which together with the concept of Qi form the foundation of eastern medicine. Yin and Yang are mutually exclusive and together form a whole which in balance constitutes a state of harmony and health and when out of balance indicates illness. From a medical perspective, the relationship between Yin and Yang form the general basis for all diagnoses and treatment protocols. A clinical example would be a person who has Liver Fire signs such as headaches, flushed face and anger. In this case the Yin Yang relationship may be 70% Yang and 30% Yin, leading to excessive Yang symptomology. The information below discusses the Yin Yang theory and clinical applications in detail.
