Acupuncture involves stimulating certain points on your body to promote healing. These points are located along energy pathways called meridians. An acupuncture points chart is a visual guide that can help you locate and understand these points. Many free acupuncture points chart PDFs are available online.
What you’ll find on an acupuncture point chart
Anatomical locations and point identification
An acupuncture point chart shows the precise location of each point on the body. They also often include the point’s Chinese name.
The charts include numbered images that make it easy to find each point. You’ll find more than 400 points on the human body.
Five Element Theory and Correspondences
The charts illustrate the five element theory. This theory describes how the elements—Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood—relate to different acupuncture points.
Acupuncture point charts also include information about cardinal and command points.
Practical Applications and Treatment Strategies
High-quality acupuncture point charts will often list common conditions and the points that practitioners commonly use for those conditions. When you start using acupuncture, it’s important to keep the number of points you use to a minimum, ideally fewer than 10.
Master acupuncturists often use fewer than five points in a session. The ultimate goal is to treat a condition with a single point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do acupressure on yourself?
Yes, you can perform acupressure on yourself. Acupressure involves applying manual pressure to specific acupuncture points to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. It’s often used for self-care to relieve minor aches, pains, stress, and tension. While generally safe, it’s important to learn proper techniques and avoid applying excessive pressure.
What is the “20 acupuncture point”?
The term “20 acupuncture point” is somewhat ambiguous without further context. There isn’t a single, universally recognized acupuncture point labeled as simply “20.” It’s possible this refers to an acupuncture point with a numerical designation around 20 within a specific meridian system (e.g., Large Intestine 20, Gallbladder 20). To provide accurate information, clarification on the meridian and condition being addressed is needed.
What are the 12 acupuncture points?
Similar to the previous question, “the 12 acupuncture points” is not a standard term. There isn’t a specific set of 12 points that are universally recognized above all others. There are twelve primary meridians in traditional Chinese medicine, each with numerous acupuncture points along its pathway. The specific points used in treatment vary depending on the individual’s condition and the practitioner’s assessment.
What are the 5 forbidden acupuncture points?
The concept of “forbidden acupuncture points” is an outdated and largely inaccurate representation. Historically, certain points were considered potentially dangerous to needle deeply or in specific populations (e.g., pregnant women). However, with proper training and technique, most acupuncture points are safe. Concerns typically revolve around avoiding injury to internal organs. While some points require extra caution, they are not strictly “forbidden” for qualified practitioners.
Final Thoughts
Acupuncture point charts are valuable tools for both experienced acupuncturists and those still learning. You can find free downloadable PDF versions of these charts online, complete with Yin Yang symbols. Just remember that these charts are copyrighted material.