General Tips and Guidelines

To find the correct point location, move the fingertips around the general area until you find the right spot. Often there is a slight indentation, or there may be soreness or tenderness when pressed.

Use the middle finger for applying pressure; in some cases the thumb or knuckles, or even a small ball may be used for pressing points.

Apply pressure gradually; release pressure gradually as well. Do not jab or poke. Some places, especially the lymph areas, may be very sensitive.

Try to maintain constant, steady pressure on the point for at least a minute, up to 2 minutes. Release pressure and shake out your fingers, if needed. Apply pressure again.

Breathe long, deep breaths and relax while pressing the point.

Caution:

Do not work on areas where serious burns or other painful injuries lie. Do not work on a recently formed scar.

Avoid the abdominal area if you have a life-threatening disease such as intestinal cancer, tuberculosis, serious cardiac conditions, and leukemia. Also avoid the abdominal area in pregnancy. Use the abdominal points with care, especially if you are ill.

Special care must be taken in pregnant women, as strong stimulation of certain points may cause uterine contractions and induce labor.

ACUPRESSURE POINTS FOR RELIEF OF ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

The following points can help relieve symptoms of an allergic reaction. These points are not intended to cure an allergy, but to help balance the body after suffering from an allergic reaction. It is best to practice the complete regimen described on a daily basis, rather than only when symptoms appear.

Heavenly Pillar (B 10), on the ropy muscles below the base of the skull
In back of the head, 1/2" below the base of the skull and 1/2" out from the spine. Place your palm against the back of your neck, pressing your fingers into the neck muscles on the side of the spine. Hold for one minute, then use the other hand to press the other side. Relieves swollen eyes, headache, exhaustion

Elegant Mansion (K 27), just below the protrusions of the collarbone
Place the middle finger in the depression just below the knob of the collar bone. Press firmly for one minute as you breathe long, slow breaths. Relieves breathing difficulty, asthma, coughing, chest congestion

Crooked Pond (LI 11), on the forearm near the elbow crease
Bend one arm with the forearm across your body, palm down. Press into the elbow joint on top of the arm, where the elbow crease ends. Hold firmly for one minute, breathing deeply. Repeat on the other arm. Relieves itching, fevers.

Outer Gate (TW 5), above the wrist on the outer forearm
With the palm of the hand down, this point is 2-1/2 finger widths from the wrist crease, between the two bones of the forearm. Use the knuckles of the other hand to apply firm pressure for one minute, while you breathe and relax. Be sure to do the other side. Strengthens the immune system

Joining the Valley (LI 4), in the 'V' between the thumb and index finger
With the palm down, use the thumb of the other hand to press between the index finger and thumb, directing pressure underneath the bone that attaches to the index finger. Hold firmly for one minute, while breathing deeply. Repeat on the other hand. This is an antihistamine point. CAUTION: Avoid this point on pregnant women as it can cause premature contractions of the uterus.

Bigger Rushing (Lv 3), between the first 2 toes of the foot
Use your index finger to press between the bones of the big toe and second toe, on the top of the foot. Angle the pressure towards the bone connecting to the second toe, rubbing firmly for about a minute. Be sure to do the other foot, too.

ACUPRESSURE POINTS FOR RELIEF OF HEADACHES & MIGRAINES

You can stimulate these points while sitting down. You do not have to press and hold all the points described; just one or two may help give you the relief you need.

Gates of Consciousness (GB 20), on each side of the base of the skull
Just below the base of the skull in back of the head, there is a slight hollow between the neck muscles on each side of the spine. Tilt your head back slightly and press the thumbs upward into base of the skull, for one minute while you breathe and relax with your eyes closed.

Wind Mansion (GV 16), at the base of the skull in back of the head
Follow the centerline of the head down to the upper neck and feel for a depression. Lifting your chin up and down may help you to find this point. Press into this point with your middle finger, keeping firm pressure on for about one minute, breathing deeply.

Drilling Bamboo (B 2), on each side of the inner ridge of the eyebrows
Use the thumb and index finger to straddle the upper bridge of the nose; move slightly upward, to the ridge of the eyebrows. Tilt your head down and close your eyes, pressing into these points for one minute while breathing deeply.

Facial Beauty (St 3), below the cheekbones, in line with the pupils of the eyes
Use the middle and index fingers of both hands to press upward, just below the cheekbones. Be sure the fingers are in line with the pupils. Breathe and relax, holding gentle pressure for one minute.

Joining the Valley (LI 4), in the 'V' between the thumb and index finger
With the palm facing away, locate this point in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Use the thumb of the other hand to press between the index finger and thumb, directing pressure underneath the bone that attaches to the index finger. Hold with firm pressure for one to two minutes, while breathing deeply. Press and hold the point on the other hand. CAUTION: Stimulation of this point must be avoided on pregnant women because it can cause premature contractions of the uterus.

Also Third Eye (GV 24.5) and Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) can be used for relief of headaches; see previous installments for locations of those points.



ACUPRESSURE POINTS FOR RELIEVING ARTHRITIS & NON-RETICULAR RHEUMATISM

These acupressure points can help you relieve aches from non-joint related rheumatism (myofibrosis or fibrositis) and arthritic pain, increase joint mobility, and prevent further deterioration of the joint. With some types of arthritis, it will take longer to increase mobility and be free of pain. For optimal results, do this regimen 2 - 3 times each day for at least 6 months, then once a day for prevention and maintenance. But you can still benefit if you only manage to do the regimen twice a day, a few times a week.

Joining the Valley (LI 4), in the 'V' between the thumb and index finger
With the palm facing away, locate this point in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Use the thumb of the other hand to press between the index finger and thumb, directing pressure underneath the bone that attaches to the index finger. Hold with firm pressure for one to two minutes, while breathing deeply. Press and hold the point on the other hand. CAUTION: Stimulation of this point must be avoided on pregnant women because it can cause premature contractions of the uterus.

Outer Gate (TW 5), above the wrist on the outer forearm
With the palm of the hand down, this point is 2-1/2 finger widths from the wrist crease, between the two bones of the forearm. Use the knuckles of the other hand to apply firm pressure for one minute, while you breathe and relax. Be sure to do the other side.

Crooked Pond (LI 11), on the forearm near the elbow crease
Bend one arm with the forearm across your body, palm down. Locate this point on top of the arm, where the elbow crease ends. Press your middle finger into the elbow joint and hold firmly for one minute, breathing deeply. Press and hold the point on the other arm.

Three Mile Point (St 36), on the lower leg below the knee
Find the point by placing 4 fingers below the kneecap, about ½" to the outside of the shin bone. Use your knuckles to rub up and down briskly along the outside of the shin bones for one minute.



ACUPRESSURE POINTS FOR RELIEVING INSOMNIA

Acupressure on these points is most effective while lying down to help promote restful sleep. The points on the wrist, Inner Gate and Spirit Gate, help to calm the heart and alleviate anxiety. The points on the heel, Joyful Sleep and Calm Sleep, are the traditional points used to relieve insomnia, as indicated by their names.

Inner Gate (P 6), above the wrist on the inner forearm
With the palm of the hand facing you, this point is 2-1/2 finger widths from the wrist crease, between the two bones of the forearm. Use the thumb of the other hand to apply firm pressure for one minute, while you close your eyes, breathe deeply and relax. Be sure to do the other side.

Spirit Gate (H 7), on the inside of the wrist, in line with the little finger
With the palm of the hand facing you, place the fingers of the other hand on the back of the wrist for support. Use the thumb of the supporting hand to press into the hollow spot at the wrist, in line with little finger. Hold for one minute, breathing deeply with your eyes closed. Do the same on the other wrist.

Joyful Sleep (K 6), below the inside of the ankle bone
In a slight indentation just below the ankle bone, on the inside of the ankle. Place the palm of one hand on the back of the opposite leg, just above the heel of the foot, so the thumb is on the inside of the ankle. Press your thumb into the point just below the ankle bone and hold for one minute. NOTE: You can also press the outer ankle point, Calm Sleep, with your fingers at the same time (see below for description). Press and hold the point on the other ankle.

Calm Sleep (B 62), in the indentation directly below the outer ankle bone
Place the palm of one hand on the back of the opposite leg, just above the heel of the foot. Place your fingers over the outer ankle bone, and press into the indentation just below the bone. NOTE: If you place your thumb on the opposite side of the ankle, you can simultaneously hold the inner ankle point Joyful Sleep (see above). Press and hold the point on the other ankle.



ACUPRESSURE POINTS FOR IMPROVING MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION

You can stimulate these points while sitting or lying down. You do not have to press and hold all the points; just do what you can, when you can. For best results, do every point twice a day.

Hundred Meeting Place (GV 20), at the top of head
On the centerline of the head, between the cranial bones. Follow the line straight up from the highest point of the ears, to the top of the head. Feel for a slight hollow just slightly towards the back of the head. Press the tips of the 3 middle fingers into the point and hold for one minute, breathing deeply.

Sun Point (Ex 2), at the temples
In the depression of the temples at the sides of the head, about ½" from the ends of the eyebrows. Put your middle 3 fingers close together and press into the indentation at both temples. Make a very small circular motion while keeping firm pressure on for about one minute, breathing deeply. If you cannot do both sides at once, you can do them separately.

Middle of a Person (GV 26), at the upper lip just under the nose
In an indentation about 2/3" of the way up from the upper lip towards the nose. Use the middle or index finger to press at an angle upward into the gum. Hold for one minute, breathing deeply.

Third Eye (GV 24.5), between the eyebrows
Run your middle finger up the bridge of the nose to the spot where the bridge meets the forehead, between the eyebrows. Press lightly for about one minute, while you close the eyes and imagine breathing in and out of the point.

Bigger Rushing (Lv 3), between the first 2 toes of the foot
On top of the foot, between the big toe and the second toe. Use your index finger to apply firm pressure, or if your fingers are tired, use the heel of the other foot to rub this point briskly for about 30 seconds. Be sure to do the other foot, too.

Taiji Glossary for PE 94 Students

BAI HUI, Du 20:   Translation: “ 100 Meeting” or “100 Convergence” This point is located at the crown of the head, drawing an imaginary line up from the highest point of the ears.   

HUAN TIAO, GB 30:     Translation: “Jumping Circle” or “Encircling leap”This point is located deep in the ball and socket joint of the hip, at the indentation in the buttocks. 

MING MEN, Du 4:    Translation: “Life Gate”This point is located on the spine between the vertebrae at the waist. 

HUI YIN, Ren 1:   Translation: “Yin Convergence”This point is located on the perineum between the anus and the genitals.  

LAO GONG, PC 8:     Translation: “Labor Palace”This point is located on the palm of the hand where the middle finger and 4^th finger touch when closed into a loose fist. 

YONG QUAN, KI 1:    Translation: “Bubbling Well” or “Gushing Spring” This point is located on the midline of the bottom of the foot, about one third of the length of the foot from the toes. 

Three DAN TIEN:      Translation:  “Elixir Field”Upper or “Shang” is located in the head, at the level between the eyebrowsMiddle or “Zhong” is located on the chest, at the level between the nipplesLower or “ Xia”  is located in the abdomen, about 2 finger widths below the navel 

TAIJI QUAN:     Translation: “Supreme Ultimate Fist”One of the traditional Chinese internal martial arts, it is a series of slowly executed, flowing movements done with a calm mind and relaxed body. 

QI GONG:    Translation:  “Energy work/practice”The practice of cultivating Qi. 

ZHAN ZHUANG:      Translation:  “Stand like a Stake” or “Standing Post”Standing meditation; holding a static posture while releasing unnecessary tension in the body and keeping a clear mind, free of distraction.  Develops internal power and rooting.  Wuji stance, Universal Post, or any posture from the taiji set can be used for zhan zhuang. 

XIAO ZHOU TIAN:      Translation: “Microcosmic Orbit or Circulation”. By touching the tongue to the roof of the mouth, it is the movement of “qi” through two energy pathways, the Ren meridian (or Conception vessel) and Du meridian (or Governing Vessel) which traverse the centerline of the head and torso, in the front and back of the body.  

YIN and YANG:  Two opposing but complementary parts of a whole, which are in dynamic balance and constant change.  Yin and yang are relative terms, not absolute characteristics;  yin and yang can transform into their opposite;  there is an aspect of yang within yin and vice versa.  The interaction and dynamic balance of yin and yang can be seen in the movements of taijiquan. 

WUJI:  Translation:  “No thing, no form”  Sometimes referred to as “the void” or “limitlessness”, wuji is the state that precedes taiji, the supreme ultimate.  It is the undifferentiated state of yin and yang, before yin and yang separate from one another.  Wuji is also what we call our preparatory stance, the posture we stand in before starting taijiquan. 

GUANG PING YANG TAIJIQUAN:  Traditional style of taijiquan from Yang Lu-Chan and his son Yang Ban-Hou that predates Beijing (Peking) Yang style.  Closer to Chen Family taijiquan that Yang Lu-Chan originally learned, than the more widely spread Yang style that is popular today.  Guang Ping style has Chen style characteristics including combinations of fast and slow movements, explosive kicks and fa-jing. It is a martial-looking style with long, low stances and an upright torso.