There are two types of points that can be needled. In TCM there are two types of points described, but the definitions are not rigorous enough for me or from a practical point of view. The “Classical Points” (Which are most of the named and numbered points) should be though of as those points that owe their functionality to their connection to the nervous system. Classical points can be thought of as relating to some part or function of the body. And when that part or function is disturbed in some way, a stress response is sent out through the sympathetic nervous system to the sympathetic nerve ending at the point. That makes the nerve ending more sensitive and easier to find by palpation or a point locator. This is why palpation can be so helpful to confirm your diagnosis and proposed treatment. It is the parasympathetic innervation at the point that we are stimulating when we needle the point.The “Ah Shi points” should be thought of being tender due to some trauma and just tells you the location of the damage. Some of the classical points such as the Jia Ji points are actually Ah Shi points that have become classical because of their usefulness. These definitions are more useful since they also tell us how we should think when needling them.
Acupuncture Points have unusual electrical properties. That fact is actually why I became interested in acupuncture in the first place. Basically, they have a lower skin resistance than other points on the skin. I believe this is mostly due to the sympathetic innervation at the point just under the skin but it can also be due to an electrical connection to some anabolic or catabolic process in the body which can be due to trauma as well. For example, inflammation creates an area of negative charge. That also makes the nerve endings more sensitive. this is why you can find points of inflammation with a point detector. Most points are electro-negative and can be found with a multi meter. Most point detectors use what is called a “balanced bridge” circuit. Ryodoraku uses a different approach. They use an ammeter to measure the current flow. Since acupuncture points have lower skin resistance, both methods will find the same points. That is because points with lower skin resistance also will draw more current.
Read more about “Classical Points“.
Read more about “Ah Shi Points“.
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