by Philp Babitsky

Created on: May 29, 2009

Chinese philosophy of qi theorises that the body is controlled by the twelve main bodily meridians and the flow of qi through them. The qi in the different merdians can be accessed via specialised entry-energy points. Around 361 acupunctural points line the body's meridians. With the insertion of needles into those points in a specific way and specifi depth, helps activate the flow of qi to specific organs. Manipulating these acupunctural points and with differentiating between needles, optimum health benefits can be achieved and the person healed as stated by Chinese philosophy.

After thousands of years of research through trial and error in China, the effects of acupuncture points on meridians and qi had been established and recorded. That is why practitioners training to administer acupuncture learn and train for many years to master and remember all the qi points, and how to use them. The use of accupuncture points differs from person to person, depending on the size, metabloic rate, a person's natural consitution, diseases and pain thresholds. Having a precise knowledge of that and qi points, a practitioner can in fact help accelerate healing, energise a person, improve metabolism and increase both mental and physical strength.

The qi energy points can influence the workings of a body, because the points is where the qi energy channels are closest to the surface of the body, and can thus be acessed and manipulated. Each point is clasiffied according to name, its location number and the meridian on which it is located. A lot of points do not have obvious effects on certain body pats. For example points on toes may influence an unborn child. Accupuncture is still a developing field and new points are being discovered.

The accpuncture points are generally cataloged into three main groups. Thes are the organ associated points, the command points and the extaordinary points.Command points.

ORGAN POINTS

Are the majority of acupuncture points

Located along the channels for major organs.

These points have dual functions. They are not only responsible for the well being of organs, but also influence other bodyparts and systems, such as a stomach point can elevate the immune system.

COMMAND POINTS

Are the most powerful acupunctural points on the body.

Are located along energy channels in the body.

These points are located on the edges of extremeties, such as tips of fingers and toes, knees, elbows, hips and shoulders.

Every point represents one of the five elements of Chinese philosophy; which are Water, Fire, Earth, Wood and Metal. These all act as balancing agents.

EXTRAORDINARY POINTS

Located outside of the twelve main bodily meridians and do not effect any spesific organs.

These are more local points that effect local regions, cognition and function. For example specific points around the neck help relax the neurons and allows for better sleep.

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