The  Healthy You

Meridians were first mapped over 4000 years ago, there are approximately 365 Qi points. Points are used to manipulate Qi flow to restore harmony in your body. Each Qi point can be used for different indications. Headaches or migraines are a common symptom that people can often self treat their symptoms using points. I am going to explain this section in the simplest way possible, so that beginners can get a better grasp of how this works too. Before I get too much further, I would like to mention it is very important to be aware of the contraindications with each point. As harmless as it may seem to press a point, these points are very powerful and should be used with caution with people with serious conditions. Always consult with your acupuncturist if you have a serious condition before using any points. Women who are pregnant, I highly recommend to avoid any points below the knee as it can descend Qi and cause preterm labor (Especially Spleen 6). There are other points to avoid while pregnant too and I will highlight them as well.

 

Qi points are numbered and named on the Meridians that they are found. Example Spleen 6. I am not going to tell you about every one of the points that exist but some main ones that are used and what they are good for.

 

Now, how exactly do we locate these points?  The location of the points is usually referenced to either a muscle or a bone. So, it is required to know anatomy in order to properly locate the points. But, I will do my best in guiding you through and helping you find them.  These muscles and bones are usually a landmark, and once you find the landmark you will easily be able to find the point. In Chinese Medicine a cun (pronounced 'soon'), is a measurement that is used to find the point from the landmark. It is not a standard measurement and it will vary from person to person. Your personal cun is the measurement of the tip of your thumb. For example, the distance from your elbow crease to your wrist is 12 cun. 

 

Qi points will generally feel tender when pressed, so it shouldnt be difficult to find the point.  Below are the 12 main meridians with their pairs in the order of flow of Qi, along with 2 unpaired meridians.