How many acupressure points

The number of acupuncture points was originally established to correlate with the number of days in the year — , but because acupuncturists in all parts of Asia came to identify points on the body differently, there was never an exact standard number.

However, the World Health Organization WHO Scientific Group met in to adopt a proposed standard acupuncture nomenclature for international use, and it was then that points were agreed upon.

The WHO also identified an additional 48 points that are included in the international standard. The criteria for including the extra points were: common usage, considered clinically effective, had a clear anatomical location and were at least. While there are multiple acupuncture locations on the body, most acupuncturists still look to the traditionally identified points. The acupuncture points are mapped to 14 main meridian channels. In Chinese medicine, a meridian channel is also known as a Jing Iou through which Qi vital life energy Xue blood , Jinye body fluids , Jing essence and Shen spirit flow.

One meridian channel relates to each of the 12 inner organs. Meridians are like a network and can be compared to the circulatory system in Western medicine, however, meridians are not visible, but rather energetic.

Each of the 14 meridian channels has a specific number, and acupuncture points meanings. Those include:. Lung 1 ; Large intestine 20 ; Stomach 45 ; Spleen 21 ; Heart 9 ; Small intestine 19 ; Bladder 67 ; Kidney 27 ; Pericardium 9 ; Triple energizer, an organ recognized in Chinese medicine, but not Western medicine 23 ; Gallbladder 44 ; Liver 14 ; Governing Vessel 28, also known as the sea of yang ; and Conception Vessel 24, also known as the sea of yin. Each acupuncture point can treat a multiple list of disorders.

I have swelling in heel on both ankles I was diagnosed with Achilles Tendonitis. I also have a heel spur on left foot in middle sole.

I have high arches in both feet. Would acupuncture help to heel as I know blood flow is very slow in that area. My heels are inflamed and sore to touch. Thank you in advance for reading this. Anna Kavanagh. Oh Anna, we are deeply sorry for your swelling and pain and would love to help. Reach out directly to our receptionist and she will get you set up fr a telehealth visit. Her name is Miranda and her email is [email protected].

Thank you for reaching out to us! So a point might be used during treatments for other kinds of disorders aside from those listed on the acupuncture points chart, due to its usefulness in this balancing process. Large Intestine Channel: LI4, Hegu This point is located on the back side of the hand between the thumb and first finger.

The primary use of this point is to relieve pain and treat inflammatory and feverish diseases. It is used to treat several disorders of the upper body, including headache, neck stiffness, cough, asthma, sore throat, facial paralysis and wrist conditions. It is helpful for digestive disorders. Research shows that using this point results in positive effects in treating anemia, immune deficiency, fatigue, and numerous diseases.

Spleen Channel: SP6, Sanyinjiao This point is located on the inner side of the leg just above the ankle. Although it is on the spleen channel, which generally influences the digestive system, this point is also valuable for treating hormonal disorders such as irregular menstruation and immune disorders.

Gallbladder Channel: GB20, Fengchi This point is located at the base of the skull where it joins the neck in back. Acupuncture has many uses, and some research has suggested that it may work for diabetes, although scientists have not explained how it might work…. Hand pressure points: Everything you need to know. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What are pressure points? Hand pressure points Do pressure points work? Summary The human body contains a lot of pressure points, and some people believe that pressing on these points can affect other parts of the body and overall health.

Hand pressure points. Share on Pinterest. Do pressure points work? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Dry needling vs. What's to know about finger infection? Medically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M. Acupuncture Points Wrist - Shenmen - Spirit Gate HT-7 Chinese Meridian: Heart Location: At the ulnar end of the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.

Acupuncture Points Ankle - Sanyinjiao - Three Yin Intersection SP-6 Chinese Meridian: Spleen Location: On the inner side of the leg just above the ankle, 3 cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia.

Understanding Acupuncture. Brazier Y. How does acupuncture work? Medical News Today, Review of: Bivins R. Acupuncture, Expertise and Cross-Cultural Medicine.

In: Acupuncture in Medicine; ; 20 1 : Ceniceros S, Brown GR. Acupuncture: a review of its history, theories, and indications. South Med J. Auricular acupuncture treatment for insomnia: a systematic review. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. August 1, , 13 6 : Chez RA. Acupressure and other therapies for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. In: Saltmarsh N, ed. The Physician's Guide to Alternative Medicine.

Atlanta, Ga: American Health Consultants; In: Novey DW, ed. Louis, Mo: Mosby;