Acupuncture Points: Charts and Meanings

Acupuncture is an ancient art of healing of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) that originated from China more than 2,000 years ago. It involves inserting fine, sterile, disposable needles into specific anatomical points(called acupuncture points) on the body by a variety of techniques to elicit a healing response including stimulation of the body’s immune and healing systems. The acupuncture points are mostly located along pathways(called meridians) of concentrated energy or Qi. Qi is a Chinese term for vital energy or life force. In TCM, Qi is believed to regulate a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance, and to be influenced by the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. Acupuncture regulates this energy (Qi) by techniques that produces ascending or descending, reinforcing, reducing, warming or clearing actions with the goal to move the Qi appropriately to create the right physical and emotional response.