Basic Theory

Theories of traditional Chinese medicine and knowledge of human physiology together explain
the effectiveness of acupressure. Although an understanding in Chinese medicine is not
necessary to use the points for first aid, brief acquaintance with the theory may lend coherence
to the practice.
According to Chinese understanding, life is the flow of vital energy (chi ) through the body in a
continuous circuit. 14 lines - or meridians - comprise the circuit in a human body; each is
associated with specific internal organs, external body parts, and physiological functions; along
each lie specific points which control or influence the energy flow. Sudden shock, illness or
disease interferes with this flow of energy. Thus, symptoms will/may appear in parts of the body
distant from the site of injury, and points on the body apparently unrelated to a problem may be
able to influence the problem via the meridians.
Specifically, stimulating the appropriate points can:

regulate the function of intemal organs, e.g., normalize heart rhythm or alleviate
nausea;
reduce pain, by influencing nerve messages to the cerebral cortex;
relieve swelling and reduce inflammation by promoting blood circulation which
encourages the reabsorption of the inflammatory fluids;
restore consciousness by normalizing gland and nerve function.

Techniques
MANIPULATING
Six common methods are mentioned here:
1. PUSHING: To rub upward and downward in a straight line on the surface of the
skin;
2. CLUTCHING: To clutch and press muscles or ligaments with thumb and
fingers of one hand;
3. PRESSING: To press the "point" with thumb, finger, knuckle or elbow and
maintain the pressure;
4. RUBBING: To make circular movements on the point with thumb, fingertip or
heel of the palm;
5. PRICKING: To prick accurately with force on the point with single finger, the
sharp edge of the fingernail or knuckle;
6. RAPPING: To rap (strike) with palm(s) or fist(s).
EXERTING PROPER PRESSURE
Using the proper degree of force or pressure is crucial to beneficial treatment. Too little
force will not stimulate effectively, while too great will exhaust the operator and may
increase the casualty's discomfort unnecessarily. Pressure must be firm but sympathetic;
the casualty should experience SORENESS, NUMBNESS, DISTENTION OR
HEAVINESS in the area treated. This indicates that treatment is taking effect.
LOCATING THE POINTS
Various measurements of the casualty's own hand are used to locate points on his body. (N.B. If
casualty and operator are approximately the same size, the operator may use the lengths of his

own fingers; otherwise he must adjust appropriately.) Body-inches for locating points are
measured as follows:
a) One body-inch = breadth of the first joint of the thumb.
b) 1 body-inch = breadth of the index and middle fingers held together, measured at the
second joint of the index finger.
c) 2 body-inches = distance between the second joint and the midpoint on the tip of the index
finger.
d) 3 body-inches = the breadth of the four fingers held together, measured at the second joint of
the index finger.

TIMING
Usually approximately 60 seconds manipulation is considered as one therapeutic cycle.
However, there is no harm to stimulate until consciousness returns or problems are under
control.
RENZHONG (PHILTRUM)
Meridian designation: GV-26

Location:
In the centre of the upper tip, at
approximately 2/3 the distance from the
mouth to the nose.

Indications: Motion sickness, shock, coma, asphyxia, cardiac failure, heat exhaustion, epilepsy,
convulsions.
Function: Stimulating this point helps the body resume and maintain normal, regular cardiac
and respiratory rhythms - consequently restoring consciousness and speeding recovery from
shock.
Manipulation: Use 'pricking' method, precisely on the point. If in doubt as to the precise
location, or if the upper lip is small, press with finger broadly across the entire area. Continue to
stimulate until consciousness returns.
BIGE (NASAL SEPTUM)

Meridian designation: Extra Point

Location:
In the centre of the upper lip, at the base of
the nasal septum.

Indications: Shock, coma, asphyxia, respiratory failure.

Manipulation: Use 'pricking' method until consciousness returns.
NOTE: This is an alternative for the Philtrum-point (RENZHONG), when that point is
inaccessible, such as during mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
SULIAO (PLAIN SEAM)
Meridian designation: GV-25

Location: At the centre on the tip of the

nose.

Indications: Shock, coma, asphyxia, respiratory failure.

Manipulation: Use 'pricking' method, upward against the tip of the nasal cartilage.
NOTE: As with BIGE, use this when RENZHONG is inaccessible.
SHANGXING
(UPPER STAR)
Meridian designation: GV-23
Location:
On the midline of the head, 1 body-inch
above the natural hairline at the forehead.

Indications: Nosebleed (epistaxis).

Manipulation: Use 'pressing' method.
NOTE: You may use this point simultaneously with Upper Welcome - Fragrance (SHANG
YINGXIANG).
BAIHUI
(HUNDRED MEETINGS)
Meridian designation: GV-20
Location:

On the midline of the head, 5 body-inches

back from the natural hairline at the
forehead.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, shock, stroke due to cerebral hemorrhage.

Manipulation: Use 'pressing' or 'rubbing' method.
CAUTION: Take extreme care when using this point on infants whose skulls have not fully
grown together, or on casualties with any injury to the skull. In these cases, use another point
such as Philtrum and/or Inner Gate.
FENGCHI (WIND POND)
MERIDIAN DESIGNATION: GB-20
Location:
At the back of the head, at the base of the
skull in the depressions between the large
muscles (the trapezius, and the sternocleido-mastoideus) - two on each side which attach to the skull at the neck.
Indications: Vertigo (dizziness), headache, stiff neck.
Manipulation: Use 'clutching', 'pressing' or 'rubbing' method.
SHANG YINGXIANG
(UPPER WELCOME-FRAGRANCE)
Meridian designation: Extra Point
Location:
On the sides of the nose approximately
halfway from tip to base, in the depression
below the nasal bone where it meets
cartilage.
Indication: Nosebleed (epistaxis).
Manipulation: Use 'clutching' or 'pressing' method - most conveniently, with one hand reaching
both sides of the nose.
NOTE: This is the preferred point for treating nosebleed; firm pressure applied to it should stop
an ordinary nosebleed within 2-3 minutes. If not - or to speed recovery - stimulate the point
Upper Star simultaneously.
TAIYANG (THE SUN)
Meridian designation: Extra Point
Location: At the temples, in the depression,

1 body-inch back from the midpoint between

the outer tip of the eye and the outer tip of the
eyebrow.

Indications: Headache, including migraine.

Manipulation: Use 'pressing' method. This spot can be tender; nevertheless, pressing gently
but firmly will ultimately relieve head pain. (N.B. Rubbing in circles may induce dizziness.)
HEGU (MEETING VALLEY)
Meridian designation: LI-4
Location:
On the web of the hand between the thumb
and index finger. To locate it, extend thumb
and index finger; the point lies slightly to the
finger-side on the flesh between the bones of
the thumb and index finger.

Indications: Pain anywhere in the body and especially in the head.

Manipulation: Use 'pressing' method. Press or pinch, with thumb of other hand on the point on
top of hand and with index finger below, on the palm-side of hand. Press gently until pain
subsides.
NEIGUAN (INNER GATE)
Meridian designation: P-6

Location:
On the inside of the wrist, more or less in the
middle, between the two largest tendons, about
two body-inches above the transverse crease
of the wrist.

Indications: Shock, angina pectoris, palpitation, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest (heart
attack).
Function: Stimulating this point helps to restore normal, regular cardiac rhythms (heartbeat).
Manipulation: Use 'pricking' or 'pressing' method.
SHAOSHANG
(LESSER MERCHANT)

MERIDIAN DESIGNATION: L-11

Location:
On the thumb, slightly below and to the outside
of the base of the nail.

Indications: Coma, respiratory failure, stroke.

Manipulation: Use 'pricking' method.
SHENSHU (KIDNEY POINT)
MERIDIAN DESIGNATION: 6-23
Location:
On the back, at the level of the umbilicus.
More technically, this point lies 1.5 bodyinches to the side of the lower end of the
spinous process of the second lumbar
vertebra, in the muscles.
Indication: Hypothermia (low body temperature); general weakness; kidney problems.
Manipulation: Use 'pushing', 'pressing' or 'rubbing' method. In cases of general weakness,
apply heat.
SHANGWAN (TWO CAVITIES)
ZHONGWAN
(MIDDLE CAVITY)
Meridian designation:
CV-12
Location:
On the midline of the
abdomen, 4 body-inches
directly above the
umbilicus (Belly Button).
SHANGWAN
( UPPER CAVITY)
Meridian designation:
CV-13
Location: On the midline
of the abdomen, 5 bodyinches directly above the
umbilicus.
* FOR BOTH:
Indications: Vomiting, stomachache, abdominal distention, gastritis, gastrectasis, stomach
spasm.

Function: stimulating either or both points helps normalize gastric secretions and contractions,
hence calming the stomach.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing', 'rubbing' or 'pushing' methods. When treating motion sickness,
use the 'rubbing' method because direct pressure may induce vomiting.
DANTIAN
OIHAI (SEA OF QI)
Meridian designation:
CV-6
Location:
On the midline of the
abdomen, 1.5 body-inches
below the umbilicus.
GUANYUAN
(HINGE AT THE
SOURCE)
Meridian designation:
CV-4
Location:
On the midline of the
abdomen, 3 body-inches
below the umbilicus.
' FOR BOTH:
Indications: Problems of the lower abdomen (e.g., pain, distention, diarrhea); many
gynecological problems; general weakness.
Manipulation: Use 'pushing', 'pressing', or 'rubbing' method.
NOTE: These points may also be used on a regular basis to protect and strengthen health. For
this purpose, rub the points 3 - 5 minutes, daily.
ZUSANLI (LEG-3-MILES)
Meridian designation: S-36
Location:
On the leg, 3 body-inches below the lower
edge of the kneecap and 1 body-inch to the
outside of the shinbone.

Indications: Shock; fever; disorders of the intestinal tract (e.g., gastritis, enteritis, diarrhea);
hypertension; general weakness.
Function: To regulate the spleen and stomach.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' method. In cases of general weakness, apply heat.
NOTE: This point may be used on a regular basis to prevent disease and promote health. For
this purpose, press or rub the point 3 - 5 minutes daily.
WEIZHONG
(COMMANDING CENTRE)

Meridian designation: 8-54

Location:
At the back of the knee, in the middle of the
transverse crease.

Indications: Spasm of the calf muscle; low back pain.

Manipulation: Use 'pressing' or 'rubbing' method until it brings relief.
NOTE: Use this point simultaneously with Support the Mountain (CHENGSHAN); one hand can
reach both points.
CHENGSHAN
(SUPPORT THE MOUNTAIN)
Meridian designation: B-57

Location:
On the back of the lower leg, roughly midway
between the back of the knee and the heel. The
point can be found precisely by stretching the
foot as if standing on tip-toe, and locating the
point at the top of the v-shaped or triangular
depression in the middle of the calf muscle.

Indications: Spasm of the calf (gastrocnemius) muscle; pain of lower leg.

Manipulation: Use 'pressing', 'pushing' or 'rapping' method.
NOTE: Of the two points recommended for leg cramp (also see Commanding Centre,
WEIZHONG), this is preferred; in difficult cases, or for speedier recovery, use both
simultaneously.
TAICHONG
(GREAT POURING)
Meridian designation: LI-3
Location:

Between the metatarsal bones of the 1st and

2nd toes, 2 body-inches behind the margin of
the web.

Indications: Spasm of the joints of the lower extremities, especially the toes.
Manipulation: Use 'pressing' or 'pricking' method.
YONGQUAN
(GUSHING SPRING)
Meridian designation: K-1

Location:
On the sole of the foot, at a point one-third of
the distance from the base of the 2nd toe to the
back of the heel, between the 2nd and 3rd
metatarsal bones.

Indications: Shock, sunstroke, hypertension, convulsion, epilepsy, spasm of toes.

Manipulation: Use 'pressing' or 'pricking' method. In cases of general weakness, use heat.
NOTE: This point may be used in emergencies (e.g., shock), and on a regular basis to maintain
and improve health. To promote health, press or rub the point 3- 5 minutes at least once daily.