Acupoints, formally known as Shu points, refer to specific points along the meridians of the human body. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilizes acupuncture, massage, pressure, or moxibustion to stimulate these points for therapeutic purposes. Acupoints are unique terminology within Chinese culture and TCM, often located in areas with fewer nerve endings and blood vessels. They are also called points or meridian points.
Acupuncture Points in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Essential for Emergency Care
The human body contains 12 primary meridians (actually 24 due to bilateral symmetry) connecting the internal organs. Additionally, the central front of the body features the Conception Vessel, while the central back houses the Governor Vessel—two special meridians running vertically through the entire body.The acupoints arranged along these 14 meridians are called "primary points," totaling 365 locations.
Treating diseases through acupoints can provide emergency relief.
Vomiting: Press the Neiguan point (located on the forearm, two cun above the wrist crease) with the middle finger to stop vomiting. Apply pressure until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt; vomiting should cease within about one minute.
Hiccups: Firmly press the Shaoshang point (located 0.1 cun beside the radial nail corner of the thumb) with thumb and index finger until a sour pain is felt. Maintain pressure for 30 seconds to one minute to stop hiccups.
Renal colic: Use your thumb to massage the Sanyinjiao acupoint (located 3 cun above the tip of the inner ankle, posterior to the medial border of the tibia). Repeat the massage for 3–5 minutes to relieve renal colic.
Stomach Pain: Use both thumbs to press and rub the Zusanli acupoints on both legs (located 3 cun below the knee, one finger-width lateral to the tibia). Continue for 3–5 minutes after a sensation of soreness, numbness, and distension appears. Stomach pain will significantly lessen.
Angina Pectoris: When angina attacks, it's often accompanied by chest pressure or a suffocating sensation. Press the Zhiyang acupoint (located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra). Generally, pressing for 3–6 minutes can effectively relieve angina.
Headache: Use both index fingers to press the bilateral Taiyang acupoints (located one cun posterior to the midpoint between the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus of the eye). Press until a sensation of distension and pain is felt, then rotate clockwise for one minute to alleviate headache.
Lowering Blood Pressure: When blood pressure spikes due to anger, rage, excitement, or exhaustion, press the Laogong acupoint (located in the center of the palm, at the tip of the middle finger when the hand is clenched). This will gradually restore blood pressure to normal levels.
Syncope: During heatstroke, stroke, or collapse, if the patient suddenly faints, becomes unconscious, turns pale, and sweats profusely, family members can pinch and press the Hegu point (located on the back of the hand, at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone, on the thumb side) with their thumb for 2-3 minutes to relieve the condition.
Biliary Colic: During attacks of cholecystitis or gallstones, severe colicky pain may occur in the right upper abdomen. Massaging the Yanglingquan point (located on the outer side of the lower leg, slightly below and anterior to the head of the fibula) on the right calf with the thumb for two minutes can provide significant pain relief.
Shock: Stimulating the Renzhong acupoint (midpoint of the nasolabial groove) elevates blood pressure and stimulates the respiratory center. In emergencies like stroke, heatstroke, poisoning, or allergic reactions where sudden unconsciousness, respiratory arrest, hypotension, or shock occurs, pressing this point with the thumb tip often provides life-saving relief.