How to Utilize the Body's Electromagnetic Field

Acupuncture uses specific points on the body, called meridians. When an acupuncture needle is inserted near a meridian, the electromagnetic field of your body can be balanced to relieve symptoms or pain. There are more than 400 acupuncture points in your body, although 150 are commonly used.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Visit the Qi Journal online (see Resources below) to find the meridians on your body. Note which parts of the body correspond to the meridians.
2. Practice acupressure on yourself, using the acupuncture meridian model as a guide. Remember that if you experience numbness and tingling of your leg, the meridian is different than if you experience paralysis and pain of your leg. Depending on your physical problem and part of the body, acupressure may be applied above and below the meridian.
3. Relieve symptoms temporarily in some cases with a gentle massage of the meridian in your problem areas. Just a light touch that runs the length of the meridian can relieve some symptoms temporarily. Use the gentle massage on yourself until you get an appointment for acupuncture or acupressure.
4. Get familiar with the most common acupuncture meridian points in the body by studying the model. The most common points for acupuncture include below the elbow and knee and the head and back. Once you're aware of the most common meridians, perform acupressure or massage on that part of your body to temporarily relieve symptoms.