There are many acupoints in the human body, and they are interconnected rather than isolated from each other. Their functions are diverse and not singular. They can be broadly classified into three categories: the fourteen meridian points, extraordinary points, and Ashi points.
Classification of Acupoints
1. Fourteen Meridian Points
Also known as "meridian points," they refer to the acupoints distributed along the twelve meridians and the Ren and Du meridians. These points have a common role in treating diseases related to the corresponding meridians and are the main part of acupoints.
2. Extraordinary Points
Refers to the acupoints that have specific names and clear locations but are not included in the fourteen meridian system. They are also known as "extraordinary points outside the meridians." Extraordinary points are more scattered in distribution and have specific therapeutic effects for certain diseases. For example, the Taiyang point is used to treat headaches, and the Appendix point is used to treat appendicitis.
3. Ashi Points
Also known as "tender points," they were referred to as "using pain as acupoints" in ancient times. They do not have specific names or fixed locations but are determined by tender or positive reaction points. Ashi points are actually unnamed acupoints and serve as the basis for meridian points.
Specific Points in Acupoints
1. Yuan Points
Yuan points are the twelve acupoints where the original qi of the internal organs flows and accumulates in the limbs. Yuan points are closely related to the original qi of the organs. The "Nan Jing" states, "The San Jiao is the director of the original qi, responsible for the circulation of the three qi, and experiences the five viscera and six bowels." The San Jiao is the director of the original qi, and its qi originates from the movement of the kidneys. It spreads throughout the body, harmonizing the internal and external, and should guide the upward and downward flow. It is related to the function of the organs' qi transformation, and the yuan points are the sites where this qi flows and accumulates. The "Ling Shu" states, "All twelve yuan points are mainly used to treat diseases of the five viscera and six bowels." Therefore, the yuan points are mainly used to treat diseases related to the corresponding organs and can also assist in diagnosis.
2. Luo Points
The luo points are the fifteen acupoints where the luo vessels branch out from the meridians. The luo points of the twelve meridians are all located below the elbow and knee joints. In addition, the luo point of the Ren Meridian, Hongwei, is located in the abdomen, and the luo point of the Pianli Meridian, Changqiang, is located in the tailbone. The luo points are the sites where the luo vessels branch out from the main meridians. In addition to treating diseases of the luo vessels, the luo points have the function of strengthening the connection between the superficial and deep meridians. Therefore, the luo points can also treat diseases of both the superficial and deep meridians. For example, the Gengou luo point of the Liver meridian can treat diseases of the Liver meridian and the Gallbladder meridian. Similarly, the Guangming luo point of the Gallbladder meridian can treat diseases of the Gallbladder meridian and the Liver meridian. The main function of the luo points is to expand the scope of treatment of the meridians.
3. Back-Shu Points
The back-shu points are the twelve acupoints where the qi of the organs is injected into the back and waist. They are located on the first side line of the foot Taiyang bladder meridian in the back and waist area. They are arranged in accordance with the relative position of the organs. The mu points are the acupoints where the qi of the organs gathers in the chest and abdomen. They are all located on the relevant meridians of the foot abdomen, and their positions are close to the corresponding organs. Since the back-shu points and mu points are the sites where the qi of the organs is injected and gathered, they are closely related to the diseases of the corresponding organs. For example, for lung heat cough, the lung shu point, Feishu, can be selected for treatment. For stomach pain caused by cold invasion, the mu point, Zhongwan, of the stomach can be moxibusted to relieve the symptoms. In addition, the back-shu points and mu points can also be used to treat diseases of tissues and organs that are connected to the corresponding organ meridians. For example, the Liver meridian opens to the eyes, governs the tendons, and is related to eye diseases and tendon disorders. The Liver shu point, Ganshu, can be selected for treatment. The Kidney meridian opens to the ears, and ear diseases can be treated with the Kidney shu point, Shenshu.
4. Xi Points
The xi points are the sites where the qi of each meridian deeply gathers. There are a total of 16 acupoints, most of which are distributed below the elbow and knee joints. The xi points are important acupoints for treating diseases related to the corresponding meridians and organs, especially in the treatment of emergencies. For example, for acute epigastric pain, the xi point of the stomach meridian, Liangqiu, can be selected. For lung diseases with hemoptysis, the xi point of the lung meridian, Kongzui, can be selected. Diseases of the organs may also cause pain or tenderness in the corresponding xi points, which can be helpful for diagnosis.
5. Xia He Points
The xia he points are the six acupoints where the qi of the six fu organs converges with the foot three yang meridians. The xia he points of the stomach, gallbladder, and bladder are the corresponding he points of the meridians, and the xia he points of the large intestine, small intestine, and San Jiao are located on the stomach meridian and bladder meridian, respectively. The xia he points of the six fu organs, namely, the stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, and San Jiao, are Zusanli, Shangjuxu, Xiajuxu, Yanglingquan, Weizhong, and Weiyang, respectively. In clinical practice, the corresponding xia he points are often selected for the treatment of diseases related to the six fu organs. For example, for intestinal abscess, the Shangjuxu point can be selected, and for dysentery, the Xiajuxu point can be selected. In addition, the xia he points can also assist in diagnosis.
