#acupoints

So tonight I was working on a Zhou Zishu centric drabble and my progress was halted by a very important issue: which acupoints are his nails in? Which meridians do they block?! Are they actually on acupoints or just arbitrary in Word of Honor? 

I asked some friends if they knew, checked the novel for mentions of specific acupoints, gave up, and spent an hour and a half trying to figure it out. For the last 45 minutes of my efforts, @aowyn​​ joined me on this quest. 

What I know: acupoints are defined by relative position on the body. In chinese they’re called xué 穴 which means cave/cavity. Many acupoints are between bones or in points that can be thought of as dips in the body. My mother liked pinching my 虎口穴  (Hǔkǒu xué) as a kid. It’s the center of the muscle between your thumb and the rest of your hand. And let me tell you, if you hit it just right it HURTS. I’ve seen a diagram where you put your hand over someone’s knee and where your thumb naturally lands is supposedly an acupoint. The temple (太阳穴, tàiyángxué)  is a squishy spot on your head -- another acupoint. 

THERE ARE ACUPOINTS ALL OVER and all of them are on some sort of meridians. There are twelve principal meridians and two centerline ones. Many are mapped to internal organs. 

Embarking on this I assumed that the nails were placed symmetrically and the three different nails on each side of ZZS would be (ideally) on meridians affecting different organs. Looking at snips from ep 32, this is confirmed: 

Some Amazing Facts About Acupressure Therapy ;

Today ☁️: Class of Ear Acupoints Chart

Diploma & Master Diploma in Acupressure Therapy ;

Register Now ;

Eligibility: 18 years above & 10th+;

Visit our website: www.acupressureguru.com ;

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/alternative_therapy_course ;

Say Goodbye to Back Pain: A Guide to Exploring Acupuncture Treatment

Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be debilitating, interfering with daily activities, work, and sleep. If you're one of the many people suffering from back pain, you've likely tried various treatments to find relief. Traditional pain relievers, physical therapy, and even surgery may have been considered. If you're one of those suffering, you've likely tried numerous remedies, from over-the-counter medications to physical therapy. But have you considered acupuncture treatment? Or have you explored the ancient practice of acupuncture? Let's learn some magical practices of acupuncture treatment. 

Acupuncture, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, is gaining increasing popularity in the West as a complementary treatment for back pain. It involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body believed to be connected to meridians, or energy pathways. Stimulating these points is thought to promote the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"), the body's vital energy, leading to:

Acupuncture has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years to treat various health conditions, including back pain. It involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, known as Qi. This stimulation is believed to promote healing and pain relief.

Understanding Back Pain

Before diving into acupuncture, let's understand the different types of back pain:

Acute back pain: This sudden and sharp pain usually lasts a few days to weeks and often results from muscle strain, ligament sprain, or disc herniation.

Chronic back pain: This persistent pain lasts for more than three months and can be caused by various factors, including degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and spinal stenosis.

Acupuncture for Back Pain Relief

Research suggests that acupuncture can be effective in relieving both acute and chronic back pain. A 2017 review of studies concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for chronic lower back pain. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also acknowledges the potential benefits of acupuncture for back pain management.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

While the exact mechanism of acupuncture's pain-relieving effect is still being researched, several theories exist:

Qi and Meridians: This philosophy believes in vital energy called "Qi" flowing through the body along pathways called "meridians." Disruptions in Qi flow are thought to cause illness. Acupuncture points are seen as specific locations where Qi can be accessed and rebalanced.

Stimulation of acupoints: By inserting needles into these points, practitioners aim to influence Qi flow, promoting healing and restoring balance.

Western Scientific Perspective

Nervous System Stimulation: Needles trigger the nervous system, sending signals to the spinal cord and brain. This releases various chemicals, including pain-relieving endorphins, anti-inflammatory compounds, and immune system modulators.

Improved Blood Circulation: Acupuncture may increase blood flow to the treated area, promoting tissue repair and pain relief.

Both perspectives acknowledge that acupuncture can have beneficial effects, but the exact mechanisms remain under investigation. Research suggests that the combined effects of nervous system stimulation, chemical release, and improved blood flow likely contribute to acupuncture's efficacy.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

A typical acupuncture session lasts about 30-60 minutes. Here's what you can expect:

You'll lie comfortably on a treatment table while the acupuncturist asks about your pain and medical history.

The acupuncturist will then select specific acupuncture points based on your diagnosis and TCM principles.

Thin, sterile needles are inserted at these points with minimal discomfort. You may feel a slight tingling or dull ache when the needles are inserted, but it shouldn't be painful.

The needles are left in place for 15-30 minutes, during which time you can relax and listen to music or read.

Once the needles are removed, you may feel a sense of relaxation and pain relief.

Things to Consider Before Trying Acupuncture

Consult your doctor first: If you have any underlying medical conditions or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before trying acupuncture.

Find a qualified acupuncturist: Ensure your acupuncturist is licensed and experienced in treating back pain.

Be realistic about expectations: Acupuncture may not provide immediate or complete pain relief for everyone. It may take several sessions to see significant improvement.

Be patient and consistent: Regular acupuncture sessions are often recommended for optimal results.

Acupuncture as Part of a Holistic Approach

While acupuncture can be a valuable tool for back pain relief, it's important to remember that it's not a cure-all. Combining acupuncture with other treatment modalities like physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications can offer a more comprehensive approach to managing back pain.

In Conclusion

TICKLE CHANNELS

There are 12 Principal Meridians and 2 other meridians that work together in pairs on a particular circuit or element, one yin and one yang, keeping the body balanced

I use these meridians as guides when I tickle a subject, tracing the patterns of energy to acupoints and some of these points are really sensitive and align with our most ticklish areas, for example, the first acupoint of the heart meridian is located deep inside the armpit, and correlates to the sense of “touch”, the positive emotion “joy”, and the sound “laughter” 😁😊

*I believe some HSP can naturally sense and find these meridians through touch*