What are Acupuncture points? What are Meridians and Channels?
Acupuncture points are specific locations for the insertion of Acupuncture needles, and for the application of external modalities such as Acupressure, Massage, Cupping, Guasha, and Moxabustion. Acupuncture points are not randomly placed on the body. The majority of the points lie along specific pathways, traditionally known as Meridians or Channels. The terms “Meridians” and “Channels” are used relatively interchangeably. Meridians are traditionally viewed as pathways for the movement of Qi, or energy throughout the body. As with the nervous and vascular systems, Meridians serve to connect and transmit information to different parts and regions of the body. Stimulation of Acupuncture points on a particular Meridian will influence the flow of Qi along that Meridian. This helps to explain why placing a needle at one point on the body can influence an area on a different part of the body, for example, using Acupuncture points on the hands and feet to treat headache.
