Acupuncture points on the human body. Atlas, photos, how to do acupressure

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine-based ancient practice that stimulates particular points on the body to support health and healing. These locations, sometimes referred to as acupuncture points, are thought to be connected to various bodily systems and organs. Knowing where these points are and how to apply pressure correctly will improve your general well-being and ability to relax.

We’ll examine the main acupuncture points in this post, along with a thorough atlas that shows their locations and potential advantages. This guide will walk you through the key concepts and how to apply acupressure techniques for addressing various health concerns, such as stress relief and improved circulation.

We’ll also provide helpful hints on how to use acupressure safely and successfully. You’ll discover how to apply the ideal amount of pressure to each point to get the greatest results with the help of simple-to-follow pictures and instructions. This article will give you the confidence to explore the world of acupuncture points, regardless of your level of experience.

How acupressure works

Acupressure is a gentler and completely atraumatic form of acupuncture that uses the hands rather than needles. Other tools that Chinese doctors use for massage include rice, beans, and even sharp bamboo sticks.

An impact that is precisely placed on the right spots can prevent pain, encourage the body to heal, and restore internal organ function, either by stimulating or calming them as needed. Additionally, the technique is effective in treating a wide range of neurological and psychological conditions, including depression and sleeplessness.

Types of points in acupuncture, classification

Since meridians are connected to acupuncture points on the human body, you should start by learning about the primary energy channels.

While many of them are known to eastern medicine, there are two primary and twelve basic:

Name	Location	Number of points	Area of ​​responsibility
Yin meridian	Along the body on its front surface, starts in the pubic area and ends in the eyes	24	Spine
Yang meridian	Behind the spinal column, starts in the perineum area, rises to the brain, then descends through the crown to the eyes	28	Energy replenishment
Lung meridian	Starts from the stomach, rises through the large intestine to the lungs and neck, descending along the outer surface of the hand to the thumb	11	Metabolism, respiratory organs
Large intestine meridian	Passes from the index finger, rises along the arm, then to the lung and intestines	20	Excretion functions
Stomach meridian	Starts at the wings of the nose, rises along the face to the back of the head, goes down to the collarbone, then through the stomach goes down to the foot, ending with the 2nd finger	45	Stomach
Pancreas and Spleen Meridian	Runs from the big toe to the spleen, diaphragm and larynx, ending under the tongue	21	Movement and digestion of food, obtaining nutrients
Heart Meridian	From the heart, it descends through the diaphragm to the small intestine, rises to the lung and goes along the arm to the little finger	9	Consciousness, brain activity, emotions, circulatory system
Small Intestine Meridian	From the little finger goes to the collarbone, descends to the heart, diaphragm, stomach, ending in the small intestine	19	Absorption of nutrients from food
Bladder Meridian	From the corner of the eye, it passes through the brain, along the spine descends to the kidneys and bladder	67	Regulates the activity of the bladder and kidneys
Kidney Meridian	Starts at the little toe, rises to the kidneys, liver, diaphragm, lungs, ending at the root of the tongue	27	Storage of vital energy for organs, growth and development
Pericardium meridian	From the pericardium it descends to the lower part of the body, a branch goes along the arm to the middle finger	9	Heart protection
Three heaters meridian	From the ring finger it rises to the shoulder, descends to the diaphragm and lower part of the torso. Branches go along the facial area	23	Functions of all organs, nervous excitability
Gall bladder meridian	It originates from the outer corner of the eye and, descending along the entire body, ends in the 4th toe	44	Works together with the liver meridian
Liver meridian	It goes from the first toe to the genitals, liver, gall bladder, diaphragm and through the throat and back of the palate it rises to the crown	14	Metabolism, the center of chemical processes

Human illness is in most cases stagnation, blockage, lack or excess of energy in the organs. Acupuncture points on the human body are classified according to their belonging to a specific meridian, effect on the organ or malaise.

Enumerate:

• Soothing. The effect on them is pleasant for the patient, suppresses excessive activity of the corresponding organ, relieves nervousness. On each meridian there is only one such point.
• Exciting. Also one on each channel. Stimulate tired organs, activating their work.
• Harmonizing. These points are located at the end and beginning of each meridian and balance the energy of organs and systems.
• Signal or "Mu points". Assigned to a specific organ. Extremely effective for "first aid" and rapid pain relief.
• Special, working with a specific disease.

The human body contains more than 700 active points in total.

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Contraindications to acupressure

Even though acupressure is a very gentle technique, it should not be used for the following reasons:

• Severe, organic diseases of the heart and circulatory system.
• Any pathologies of pregnancy.
• Skin diseases in acute form, cuts, burns, ulcers in the areas of massage.
• Diagnostic depression.
• Oncology is also sometimes a contraindication.
• Severe fatigue.

The massage should end right away if the patient’s condition suddenly deteriorates.

How to find the necessary acupuncture points, atlas

The skin contains pressure points with a diameter of approximately 1 cm that are used for massage. Atlases and instructions for performing acupuncture describe their approximate location. By placing your index finger in the desired location and observing the shift in sensations, you can locate the points.

Skin and body lines that have thickenings or differing densities from the surrounding tissues, such as pits, protrusions, and folds, can act as a guide. Furthermore, the patient may experience numbness, tingling, or mild pain where the point is.

When measuring length, atlases frequently employ the "tsun" unit, which is the separation between the folds on the patient’s fully flexed second phalanx (men use the left hand, women the right). Two additional points of reference are provided for clarification: the thumb is the only finger on the hand that is not wider than three tsun, and the combined width of the index and middle fingers is one and a half tsun.

How to do acupressure

Similar to traditional massage, acupressure uses a variety of techniques. The thumb, middle, and index finger pads, as well as the palms of the hands, are used in its application.

There are various kinds of impacts, such as:

• Pressing, carried out by one or more fingers located perpendicular to the surface of the skin, or by the base of the palm for deeper and stronger pressure.
• Rubbing. The finger, producing constant pressure, describes circles with a diameter of about 5 mm clockwise or counterclockwise at a speed of about 2 rotations per second.
• Vibration – rhythmic strong pressure on a point with a finger or the edge of the palm at a speed of 2-3 movements per second.
• Stretching the skin with two fingers along the line of the required impact.
• Grasping, in which two or three fingers grab the skin, lightly rotate it, repeating 3-4 times.

The human body’s acupuncture points are primarily located in the following areas:

• Feet.
• Hands.
• Spine.
• Chest.
• Face.

On the feet

All of the body’s systems are worked out by foot massage, which also improves immune system strength, muscle tone, skin and psychological health, and metabolic processes. The first step should be to steam or lubricate the feet with cream. Next, the feet are actively stroked, and the fingers are massaged from the nail plates to the base of the nails. Afterwards, they proceed to calculate biologically active points (BAP).

Acupuncture theory states that the human body is projected onto the foot in five different zones:

• fingers and their bases – organs of the head and neck, in particular, working on the pads of the thumbs stimulates the brain well;
• the part that captures the beginning of the arch of the foot is the chest;
• the middle part of the arch is the abdomen;
• closer to the heel is the large and small intestines;
• the heel itself is the genitals.

Organs that are paired and centered have points on both feet; the remaining organs are on the matching leg (heart on the left, liver on the right, etc.). Thumbs are used to stimulate the points through rubbing.

It is important to remember that the presence of pain suggests issues with the organ projected into this location. After experiencing this, you should modify your massage technique. You must repeat each movement for 30 seconds, pressing and releasing the point alternately, until the pain subsides.

On the hands

Stretching your legs can be substituted with hand massages and self-massages, which you can perform anywhere. Work each finger from the nail to the base after vigorously massaging your hands to warm them up.

Grasp your left hand with your right hand so that your thumb is on your palm in order to use BAP. All of the massage motions should be executed by the thumb. Special atlases allow you to locate and study every active point on your hands. It is important to remember that the thumb, ring, and middle fingers of the hand represent the head, the little finger and index finger represent the hands, and the palm represents the internal organs.

On the ear

An additional collection of helpful points are the ears. A person who is severely intoxicated or fainting can be helped by rubbing them. The right and left ear points should be worked on simultaneously. The points are held between the first and second fingers of the hands, and the index finger is used for pressing and rubbing.

The ensuing details are noteworthy:

• In the pit near the earlobe there is an endocrine point that normalizes metabolism, helps with allergies and inflammations.
• In the upper pit of the ear is a point of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for the intestines, kidneys, blood vessels and helps with menopause.
• At the base of the earlobe, you can find a point of the cerebral cortex, the impact on which increases the body"s ability to restore itself.
• The point of the heart and lungs is located in the depths of the ear just above the ear canal. Its stimulation prevents heart attacks and strokes, helps with tachycardia, bronchitis and inflammation. People who want to quit smoking need to massage this point several times a day.

On the face

A facial massage eases headaches and insomnia while preserving the youth and beauty of the skin.

The principal ideas behind acupressure:

• Third eye. Located just above the bridge of the nose, improves the functioning of the liver and endocrine system.
• The points of youth, responsible for vision, are hidden near the inner corners of the eyes on the nose.
• The points located near the wings of the nose, improve the sense of smell, and help fight colds.
• The point in the middle of the chin will save you from poisoning and intoxication.
• You can fight headaches, while improving vision and blood supply to the brain, by rubbing your temples.
• The points near the auricle, which are easy to find in the dimples that appear when opening the mouth, will restore rumor and strengthen the vestibular apparatus.

General strengthening points

Acupuncture points that, when stimulated, aid in building the body’s strength:

• The point of longevity. If you take a sitting position, put your palms on your knees, then the little finger will indicate the direction, and the middle finger is the height of the location of this point. There is a recess in this place, pressing moderately painfully. According to legend, the massage of this zone in the first week of the lunar cycle helps to preserve youth and extend a healthy life.
• Ny Guan point, located three fingers above the wrists, is responsible for the harmony of the nervous system and heart, eliminates nausea.
• Stimulation of Wei Zhong points, located in popliteal pits, allows you to maintain health of the urine system.
• The points of Shen Men On the outside of the wrists help the heart. In addition, they are used in the treatment of mentally ill people.
• Point Bai Hui, located at the intersection of many meridians on the top of the head has a very wide range of effects.
• "Channel of youth" is located at a distance of four fingers above the inner ankle bone, helps to keep the female body in its youthful state for a long time.

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Other useful points on the body

Several things can be done to swiftly resolve unforeseen issues:

• Headache, toothache, ailments with arthritis, constipation, hangover are cured by rubbing the point at the junction of the thumb and index finger for several minutes.
• Getting rid of nervous overexcitement, depression, anxiety is facilitated by a 2-minute massage with the thumbs of both hands, folded in a prayer pose, in the middle of the chest in a place 4 fingers above the end of the bone. Such movements also strengthen the immune system and the body"s resistance as a whole.
• To improve concentration and memory, get rid of headaches and fatigue, stimulate the point on the back of the foot at the intersection of the 1st and 2nd toes twice a day for 2-3 minutes.

Methods of performing massage for weight loss

Many people use acupressure to aid in their weight loss efforts. Prior to the commencement of the sessions, the cause of the excess weight must be identified in order to select the appropriate points.

Hormonal imbalance

When dealing with such anamnesis, it is helpful to work out the Guan Yuan point, which is three tsun below the navel, for thirty minutes while lying down.

After that, massage the associated Zi Gong points, which are located by taking a 1 tsun retreat up from the navel and a 3 tsun retreat to the left and right. It is preferable to incorporate hip rotation exercises while standing with targeting these areas.

Improper nutrition

These days, it is challenging to observe the proper power composition and mode.

If this issue is the root cause of obesity, you can apply the acupressure method below:

• The Lin Quan point under the kneecap is massaged for 30 seconds to combat cellulite.
• "Youth Channels" should be worked with the thumbs at least 40 times on each leg.
• Tian Shui points, located 2 tsuns to the right and left of the navel, massage in a standing position, slightly bent, pressing for 5 seconds, 20 times.

Once the condition gets better, this massage should be given three times a day; after that, once a day for preventative.

Stress

The general tonic section’s Nei Guan point should be stimulated for five to ten minutes in order to release tension in the nervous system. Utilizing the Bai Hui point is also necessary; press it rhythmically with your thumb.

Insomnia and chronic fatigue

In order to get rid of these uncomfortable symptoms, stimulate the points in the following order one hour before bedtime:

1. Press and massage the "third eye" point.
2. Carefully, avoiding severe pain, work on the point between the 1st and 2nd fingers of the hand.
3. There is also a point for insomnia on the inside of each foot, on the heel closer to the arch of the foot.
4. And already lying in bed, it is convenient to massage the dimples behind the earlobes and the point on the crown, which will quickly calm and relax the body.

In 7-9 days, there is a noticeable improvement in sleep.

Massage of the abdominal area for weight loss

Lying down and massaging the solar plexus in a clockwise direction also works well. While hiccups, rumbling, and other painful sensations all signal the beginning of the process, you shouldn’t put up with severe pain.

How acupressure is performed for various diseases

Numerous illnesses can be managed by patients with acupuncture.

With chronic gastritis

You can apply tonic acupressure massage in the morning to the following areas if the illness has been in remission for a month or longer:

• Longevity points in the knee area.
• Places 2 tsun above the ankle bones on the inside and outside of each leg.
• Points on the hands just above the base of the thumbs.
• Tian Shui to the right and left of the navel should be massaged simultaneously, and then pay attention to the point 2 tsun below the navel.

For osteochondrosis

The following points should be stimulated for two minutes with slow, circular movements that are more intense. After a brief period of time, press the point and repeat the motions in the opposite direction, gradually releasing the pressure. This will help with cervical osteochondrosis.

Qualities:

• Feng Fu point, located under the occipital protuberance.
• Feng Chi points located at the level of Feng Fu towards the ears.
• At a distance of 3 fingers below the first is the Ya Men point.
• 7th cervical vertebra.

When coughing

It should be mentioned that acupressure is not advised for allergic types of cough; however, regardless of the type of cough, relief usually occurs quite quickly if the illness is concomitant with a cold.

Massage the indicated points clockwise for a maximum of two minutes each:

• "Third eye".
• Center of the forehead.
• Places on both sides of the bridge of the nose.
• Point of the base of the nose.
• Dimple in the middle of the neck.
• Subclavicular fossa.
• Point in the middle of the chest.
• "Pain point" at the closure of the 1st and 2nd fingers of the hand.

With diabetes

Although acupressure is not a viable treatment for diabetes, self-massage techniques can help maintain physical activity and lower blood sugar levels. The face and legs’ symmetrical points are stimulated simultaneously, while the other points are stimulated in turn.

Practical points

• Points on the nose near the corners of the eyes.
• Depressions on the temples.
• Points at the beginning of the fold formed when bending the elbows.
• Depressions above the collarbones.
• Longevity points.

With sinusitis

Acupuncture should be used both during the early stages and at the end of the illness, as well as throughout its ongoing progression.

Five primary points are thought to be beneficial for treating sinusitis in acupuncture atlases:

• areas near the wings of the nose;
• a point above the upper lip;
• the tip of the nose is worked out with light pinching;
• the outer corners of the eyes are kneaded with circular movements;
• the massage ends with stimulation of the "third eye".

Such massages ought to be given for a full 14 days. Improvement usually happens within a week.

For bronchial asthma

When treating bronchial asthma, acupressure is applied either before or during an attack. The points are grouped into three groups: the first is used in a calming manner (light pressure and stroking), the second is tonic (rotation with deep pressure) for individuals over 40, and the third is used during remission periods.

For allergies

It is best to begin preventing seasonal hay fever seven to ten days in advance of the anticipated period. Twice a day, a tonic method is used for the morning massage, and a calming method is used for the evening massage.

Points on the human body where acupuncture is used to treat problems:

• Third eye".
• Under the wings of the nose.
• In front of the tragus of the ear.
• On the back of the head in the hollow area.
• “Pain point” on the hand.
• Earlobe.
• Above the ear canal.

If an allergy has begun, the massage is administered every hour for the first three to four days, then as needed based on your condition.

For toothache

It is best to see a dentist for acute pain, but if one cannot be found, you can temporarily manage the discomfort.

Three points on the side where the issue arises need to be stimulated:

• “Pain point” or He Gu is massaged for 2-3 minutes until the skin turns red.
• The left corner of the nail on the index finger (Shan Yang) is rhythmically pressed until pain appears.
• The junction of the jaws is worked out by pressing the index finger five times, then 30 circular movements are made.

How often should the massage be done?

Acupuncture point stimulation needs to be done according to the protocol used to treat particular medical conditions. Acute pain can be relieved in a matter of minutes, whereas chronic illnesses may take days, weeks, or even months to treat.

In any event, though, this approach merits consideration due to its accessibility and simplicity, and anyone can verify its efficacy for themselves.

Design of the article: Lozinsky Oleg

Acupuncture Point	Description
LI4 (Hegu)	Located on the hand, between the thumb and index finger. Known for relieving pain and stress.
ST36 (Zusanli)	Located below the knee, on the outer side of the leg. Helps with digestion and energy levels.
LV3 (Taichong)	Located on the foot, between the big toe and second toe. Useful for relieving stress and regulating liver function.
GB20 (Fengchi)	Located at the base of the skull, in the depressions on either side of the spine. Helps with headaches and neck pain.
HT7 (Shenmen)	Located on the wrist, on the pinky side. Known for calming the mind and improving sleep.
PC8 (Laogong)	Located in the center of the palm. Helps with heartburn and anxiety.

Acupressure is a way to activate the body’s innate healing potential, not just a method for relaxation. By learning the locations of the main acupuncture points and how to stimulate them, you can target different types of illnesses and enhance your general health. This method can provide relief from headaches, tension, and even stress-related problems, making it a useful addition to your daily regimen.

Anyone interested in learning acupuncture can find a helpful guide by looking through an atlas of acupuncture points. You can better understand the locations of these points and how they relate to various body parts by using comprehensive images and descriptions. With this knowledge, you can confidently perform acupressure and address specific concerns more easily.

Even though acupressure has a lot of potential benefits, it’s always a good idea to speak with a professional if you have any questions about specific techniques or if you have medical concerns. This traditional method can be combined with contemporary medical guidance to create a well-rounded strategy for improving your overall health and well-being.

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture points are crucial for balancing energy and fostering healing. This page examines an atlas of these points, includes images for simple identification, and gives helpful advice on applying acupressure. This guide breaks down the fundamentals of acupuncture for anyone interested in this age-old practice, whether you’re wondering about its advantages or want to learn how to apply pressure to particular points for relief.

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