How to Locate Proper Acupuncture Points

With its roots in centuries-old Chinese traditions, acupuncture seeks to foster natural healing and improve physical functioning by inserting fine needles at the proper strategic points across the body. Many believe it can treat a host of ailments both large and small, including anxiety, dizziness, fibromyalgia and indigestion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acupuncture book to help locate the proper points

1. Know the 12 meridians of acupuncture. Most acupuncture points may be found along these meridians. The meridians are the heart, lung, pericardium, small intestine, large intestine, kidney, liver, bladder, gall bladder, stomach, spleen and triple warmer.

2. Understand the principles of acupuncture. This discipline maintains that pain and illness stem from a disruption of the body's energy flow. By applying stimulus to prescribed points, the body's energy flow is restored and wellness is generated.

3. Learn about your acupuncture points. Pore through a copy of "Standard Meridian Points of Acupuncture: Charts" by Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (see Resources below). Here you'll find a list of all the body's major acupuncture points, along with information on which points correspond to which illnesses and conditions.

4. Find your acupuncture points. Points are typically marked by a small depression in the skin. Acupuncture points may also be distinguished by differences in temperature relative to surrounding areas.

5. Learn more about acupuncture by picking up a copy of "Acupuncture for Everyone: What It Is, Why It Works, and How It Can Help You" by Dr. Ruth Kidson (see Resources below). Here you'll find information on the history and applications of the time-honored method of healing.

Tips & Warnings

• You can locate moderately priced books containing charts of acupuncture points online.
• If suffering from severe symptoms such as seizures, do not attempt to treat your condition with acupuncture. Instead, seek the care of a physician.
• Acupuncture has an impressive safety record. Still, serious problems can occur if it is practiced by someone who is not properly trained, with cases of lung collapse and hepatitis infection being reported. Make sure your acupuncturist has the proper credentials, and don't attempt self-treatment unless you have the necessary training.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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on 1/30/2008 Thank you for the chart information.