ACUPRESSURE

Prof. Gilbert Ezengige

Lecture materials are for students’ perusal only, don’t reproduce
and circulate please.

Acupressure is a form of therapy that involves the application of

pressure to certain parts of the body to effect healing. The pressure is
done with fingers or finger-like blunt objects. Acupressure is an offshoot
of acupuncture and similar to it too. The only difference between them
is that acupuncturists utilize special forms of needles known as filiform
(hair like) needles in their practice. The needles are used to stimulate
certain points of the body called acupoints. The acupressurists on the
other hand, make use of their fingers; they exert pressure on those
acupoints to effect healing.
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM and is a
legacy that the Chinese have bequeathed to the world’s medical system.
The same can be said of acupressure. However, the Japanese made
startling impact in the development of acupressure and are still toeing
that line till date with a blend of their specialized acupressure known as
shiatsu. Most of the techniques utilized by acupressurists all over the
world are rooted in Japanese lores and tradition.
The principle governing acupressure as well as acupuncture is that an
essence that is known as the Chi in Chinese, Qi in Japanese, Vital force
in English language, permeates the universe, man inclusive. This Vital
force nourishes, heals, stabilizes and balances. Without it the necessary
renewal observable in creation would not be feasible. It is an element
that binds forms in this world. The ‘spirit’ behind synthesis of all
chemical compounds in nature is this vital force. It is the animistic
current that is molding and shaping all living things.
Qi flows in humans through the pathways known as the meridians or
channels. Just like electricity coursing through copper wire remains
invisible but can light a bulb connected to it, the Qi, flowing through
anatomically defined pathways remains invisible as it surges through
the meridians but animates organs it comes in contact with. The
acupressurists are concerned principally with the 12 bilateral meridians
in addition to the 2 meridians that run centrally through the front and
back of the body. These meridians convey Qi just as the blood vessels
aid the transportation of blood and the nerves facilitate the
transmission of electrical impulses. When the flow of Qi in a particular
region of the body is impeded, that region becomes sick; it is deprived of
the vitalizing essence. On the other hand, if the flow of Qi is excess, this
could also result to pathological conditions which in western medical
parlance is best qualified with the prefix – Hyper.
It is the goal of an acupressurist to ensure that there is equilibrium in
the body’s Qi flow. He achieves this by stimulating some acupoints
through the exertion of finger pressure. There are over 365 acupoints in
the human body and they are rarely all made use of in practice.
Acupoints are invisible like the meridians but they are anatomically
located. They are situated at different positions in the meridians. They
are like the transformers in an electric distribution grid system.
Acupoints are points in the body where the vital force (Qi) infuses and
effuses. When Qi is deficient in the body, Qi can be absorbed (infused) to
the system from the universal Qi. When there is a condition of
congestion of Qi, these points serve as outlets for the elimination
(effusion) of the excess Qi. It happens that in a sick body this normal
process of infusion and effusion is deranged thereby necessitating the
intervention of acupressurist. The existence of acupoints in the body is
no longer in contention as there are today, simple gadgets that can
locate acupoints by beeping when its probe is brought close to an
acupoint.
The 12 bilateral meridians and the 2 medial meridians with their
abbreviations are listed below.
MERIDIANS ABBREVIATION

1. Lung Channel LU
2. Large Intestine Channel LI
3. Stomach Channel ST
4. Spleen Channel SP
5. Heart Channel H
 6. Small Intestine Channel SI
7. Urinary Bladder Channel UB
8. Kidney Channel K
9. Pericardium (Heart Governor) Channel P
10.Tripple Warmer Channel TW
11.Gall Bladder Channel GB
12.Liver Channel LV
The two meridians that run centrally through the body in anterior and
posterior sides are;
1. Conception vessel channel or REN
2. Governing vessel channel or DU
The channels are named after ‘organs’ of the body that they are
associated with. The lung channel for instance takes root from a point
in the lung region. The triple warmer represents the three body
cavities. It is also called the triple heater, sanjiao and triple burner. The
Qi flows substantially through the meridians in a sequence and time of
the day as depicted in the chart below.

Since acupoints can be anatomically located, it then implies that a unit

of measurement be adopted to enable acupressurist find the points
accurately; to measure distances from one organ location to another.
The Chinese reasoned that the measurement should be body specific;
they came up with a universally applicable body measurement called
the CUN or Chon in Japanese. This body ‘Inch” measurement is
relative. The distance represented by 1 chon in an individual may differ
in another person by virtue of their different body sizes. In actual sense,
the chon unit defines a distance from one body part of a person to
another part of the same person; it does not represent a definite value
in our metric unit of measurement.
The diagram below shows distances between body parts and their
corresponding measurement values in chon.

Body Parts and Their Chon (Cun)Value

In locating acupoints in a patient, the acupressurist would adapt to the
patient’s cun unit of measurement otherwise the exact acupoints could
be missed. Acupuncture points are numbered in each meridian starting
from one (1), e.g. K 1 and ST 1 stand for first acupoints on the kidney
and stomach meridians respectively. Some meridians like the heart
meridian have few acupoints while others like the urinary bladder
meridian have numerous acupoints.
It is important to state that there are some points that are tender when
pressure is exerted on them which are not acupoints. Such points are
called the Ah shi (ouch!) points. Ashi translated as oh – yes being
expressions uttered by patients when such points are accurately located
and pressed by acupressurists.
How acupressure and acupuncture works is still being investigated.
Many theories have being postulated to explain its working principle.
That it works is no longer in doubt but how and why it works has being
at the centre stage of medical science discourse. Some of the theories
advanced to explain acupuncture/acupressure include the neurological
theory (nerve), humoral theory (body fluids/chemicals), bioelectric
theory, and embryological theory as well as Traditional Chinese
Medicine theory.
Acupressure has been validated to have the following effects;
 ANALGESIC
 HOMEOSTATIC
 IMMUNE-ENHANCING
 SEDATIVE
 ANTI INFLAMMATORY/ANTI ALLERGIC
 MOTOR RECOVERY

All the above effects are obtained by balancing the yin and yang in the
body.
Acupoints have both proximal and distal curative functions. Proximal in
this context means that acupoints that are located for example around
the region of the eyes can be used to treat eye affections. Distal effect of
acupoints means that acupoints that are located far from the site of a
diseased organ may be equally stimulated to correct that condition.
E.g., the acupoints known as Liver 3 (LV 3) which is located at the
depression distal to the junction of the first and second metatarsal
bones of the foot’s dorsum can be stimulated to treat headaches,
hypertension, vomiting and a lot of other ailments.
While acupressure is a veritable healing technique for diverse ailments,
it has, just like any other medical system its own limitations some of
which include; the treatment of diseases like cancer, tumors,
mechanical obstruction ailments, bleeding, serious infections etc.
However, the usefulness of acupressure as a complementary therapy for
the conditions listed above cannot be overemphasized.
Some acupoints are contraindicated in pregnancy; they include LI 4, SP
6, ST 36, K 3, UB 67 and generally points in the lower abdomen.
ACUPRESSURE TREATMENT

In acupressure treatment, the selected acupoints can be stimulated by

finger pressure. The acupoints are pressed in a pump-like rhythm for
about 1-2 minutes. It is advisable not to overdo it. Consistent
administration of pressure application is what will assist the patient
towards recovery. In acute conditions, the points can be stimulated
more frequently depending on the severity of the case. (Most
acupressurists prefer not to exceed 3 sessions per day in acute
conditions). In long standing and chronic conditions, daily application or
every- other- day administration pattern is preferred.
Patients should recline in a chair or preferably lie down as the
acupressure treatment is going on. After treatment session, the patient
should rest for at least 10 minutes before standing up. A glass of water
after the treatment is also a good practice.
If the patient is on any medication, he should inform his doctor as he
undertakes acupressure treatment. His condition will call for a regular
review. It could happen that the acupressure treatment will potentiate
the medication thereby implying a gradual reduction of intake of the
medication. For example working on some acupoints for the treatment
of hypertension could result in a drastic reduction of the arterial blood
pressure and if a mechanism for re-evaluation is not properly put in
place, the patient on medication could become hypotensive or even enter
a state of coma.
The acupoints described below are some of the frequently used points in
treatment. We present their anatomical locations, indications and their
names. (The English version for the traditional Chinese description of
acupoints is used). Some of the names have their origin from the effect
produced by stimulating such points. The Three Mile Point (Stomach
36) for instance earned its name because it is believed to give one the
energy to run an extra three miles.
 MOSTLY USED ACUPOINTS IN ACUPRESSURE
PRACTICE, THEIR LOCATIONS AND
INDICATIONS

LU 1 (CENTRAL TREASURY)

Location: Found on the anterior lateral aspect of the chest; in the

space between the first and second rib, 6 cun lateral to the chest’s
anterior midline.

Indications:

 Chronic respiratory complaints

 Shoulder disorders
 Increases blood and energy flow
 Balances emotion

LI 4 (UNION VALLEY)
Location: located on the hand’s dorsum, this point is found between
the 1st and the 2nd metacarpals bones; approximately in the 2nd
metacarpal bone’s radial side.
Indications:
 Moistens and regulates the colon
 Chronic constipation
 Tension headache and migraine
 Facial paralysis
 Alleviates pain in the upper body
 Paralysis and spasm of the fingers
Contra indications: This point should not be stimulated in pregnancy.

LI 11 (CROOKED POND)
Location: This is located at the extreme point of the elbow’s crease
(lateral side) when the elbow is semi flexed.
Indications:
 Constipation
 Paralysis of the arm
 High blood pressure
 Abdominal fullness
 Sore throat
 Dry skin
 Tennis elbow

LI 20 (WELCOME FRAGRANCE)
Location: this point is located in the depression immediately below
the outer edge of the nostril.

Indications:
 Unblocks stuffy nose
 Trigeminal neuralgia
 Sinusitis
 Facial paralysis
 Toothache
 Epistaxis

ST 36 (THREE MILE POINT)

Location: This point is located 2 cun down from the knee cap and four
cun to the outside of the leg.
Indications:
 Diseases of the digestive system; constipation, nausea, gastritis,
stomach cramp, heart burns.
 Relieves fatigue and regulates energy flow
 Calms and sharpens the mind
 Strengthens and nourishes Qi
 For anemia and low WBC count

SP 6 (THREE CROSSING)
Location: the point is on the medial side border of tibia, 3 cun above
the tip of medial malleolus.

Indications:
 Disorders of the limb/muscles
 Urinary problems
 Gastrointestinal disorders
 Regulates menstrual flows
  Amenorrhea
 Metrorrhagia
 Metrostaxis
 Seminal emission and impotence
Contraindication: Avoid this point in pregnancy.

H 3 (LESSER SEA)
Location: when the elbow is fully flexed, this point is midway between
the medial end of the elbow crease and medial epicondyle of the
humerus.

Indications:
 Disorders of the elbow
 Angina pectoris
 Amnesia
 neurasthenia
 Epilepsy
 Hand tremor
 Dizziness
 Toothache

H 7 (SPIRIT GATE)
Location: Located on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi
ulnaris muscle at the wrist crease.
Indications:
 Regulates and tonifies the heart
 Calms the spirit and balances emotion
 Alleviates hysteria, insomnia, fear and sadness
 For palpitation and tachycardia

SI 19 (HEARING PALACE)
Location: located in the depression felt up against the tragus

Indications:
 Tinnitus
 Sudden deafness
 Earache
 Vertigo
 Ear infection
UB 54 (MIDDLE CROOK)
Location: located at the level of the 4th foramen and 3cun lateral to
the median sacral crease.

Indications:
 Sciatica
 Haemorrhoids
 Lower limb paralysis
 Wrist disorder
 Genito-urinary disorders

UB 57 (SUPPORTING MOUNTAIN)
Location: This point is located below the protrusion of the calf muscle
(gastrocnemius)
Indications:
 Spasmodic pain in the legs an loin
 Constipation
 Hemorrhoids
 Rectal prolapse

UB 60 (KUNLUN MOUNTAINS)
Location: this point is located in the depression posterior to malleolus
prominence on the lateral side.

Indications:
 Lumbosacral pain and swelling
 Sciatica
 Achilles tendinitis
 Arthritis of the ankle pain
 Paralysis of the lower limb
K 3 (BIGGER STREAM)
Location: located in the depression posterior to the medial malleolus.

Indications:
 Rheumatic affections
 Disorders of the ankle
 Genito-urinary disorders
 Impotency
 Low back ache

K 27 (ELEGANT MANSION)
Location: Located below the clavicle, 2 cun lateral to the anterior
midline.

Indications:
 Chest pain , cough, asthma
 Headache due to mental strain
 Palpitation and irritability
P 6 (INNER GATE)
Location: This point is located 2 cun above the transverse crease of
the wrist between the tendons of palmaris longus muscle and flexor
carpi radialis muscles.

Indications:
 Palpitation
 Angina pectoris
 Intercostal neuralgia
 Relieves chest and promotes deep breathing
 Morning sickness
 Nausea

TW 17 (WIND SCREEN)
Location: This point is located posterior to the ear lobe; it is found in
the depression between the mandible and mastoid process.
Indications:
 Deafness
 Tinnitus
 Earache
 Toothache
 Facial paralysis
 Vertigo

GB 20 (GATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS)
Location: Located at the back of the neck, in the depression below
occipital protuberances.

Indications:
 Reduces nervousness
 For tension headache and migraine
 Cervical spondylosis
 For the treatment of hot flushes
 Swelling and pain in the eyes
 Nearsightedness
 Night blindness

GB 21 (SHOULDER WELL)
Location: This is located at the base of the neck, in the hollow behind
the clavicle.
Indications:
 For stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulder and back
 For upper body muscle spasm

GB 34 (YANG MOUND)
Location: This point is located in the depression below the head of
fibula (anterior-inferiorly) on the lateral side.

Indications:
 Weak tendons and ligament
 Sciatica
 Pain and inflammation in the hip and knee
 Hypochondriac pain
 Diseases of gall bladder
LV 3 (GREAT RUSHING)
Location: Located on the dorsum of the foot; 1 cun from the base of the
big toe in the web-bing between the big and second toes.

Indications:
 Regulates and tones the liver
 For migraine headache
 Detoxifies the system
 Provides a calming effect
 For the treatment of insomnia
 Neurological disorders
 For the treatment of hypertension
 Redness and swelling of eyes

CV 4 or Ren 4 (PRIMORDIAL STORAGE)

Location: located in the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
Indications:
 Incontinence and retention of urine
 Bedwetting
 diarrhea
 Impotence
 Spermatorrhea
 Menstrual problems

CV 17 or Ren 17 (SEA OF TRANQUILITY)

Location: This point is located on the sternum; midway between the
nipples (at the level of the fourth intercostal space.

Indications:
 Breast diseases
 Lung disorders
 Heart disease
 Calms the spirit

GV 14 (GREAT HAMMER)
Location: Located between the spinous processes of C7 and T1.
Indications:
 Facilitates and invigorates Qi flow
 For neck and shoulder pain
 Stiff neck
 Alleviates cold
 Febrile diseases
 Malaria
 Epilepsy and convulsion

GV 16 (WIND MANSION)
Location: This point is found at the base of the occiput, directly in the
midline just below the external occipital protuberance.
Indications:
 Loss of voice
 Headache
 Stiff neck
 Mental disorders

GV 20 (HUNDRED MEETING POINT)

Location: located on the top of the head, on a line connecting the tops
of the ear.

Indications:
 Neurological disorders
 Insomnia
 Prolapsed rectum
 Prolapsed uterus
 Gastroptosis
 Diseases of the anal region
 Headache

GV 26 (WATER GROOVE)
Location: The point is located a little above the midpoint of the
philtrum.
Indications:
 Apoplexy
 Infantile convulsion
 Unconsciousness
 Toothache
 Facial paralysis
 Swelling of face

Assignment
1. In just 2 paragraphs, explain what you understand by
acupressure.

2. Define the following terms BRIEFLY;

 Chi
 Meridians
 Acupoints
 Ashi-point