Acupuncture Point Chart

Acupuncture point charts are used by traditional acupuncturists so that the needles are inserted into the person's body according to the particular needs that the person has. There are points on the chart that refer to all the major systems in the person's body including points that are areas of stagnation which cause pain to different areas of the person's body.

Acupuncture point charts are used after the acupuncturist has made an evaluation of the person's needs according to their background and examination of the person's body. Once the examination has been completed, then the acupuncture meridian chart of the different insertion points can be consulted according to that person's needs.

The evaluation process usually entails first examining the person's face and tongue. The tongue is viewed for its size and shape, but also for the coloring, any films on it, and whether or not there are teeth marks on the tongue.

In addition, the acupuncturist asks the person a series of questions regarding their bodily functions and activities such as how often they urinate and defecate and what it is like, how their appetite is including thirst and tastes, whether they have fever or chills, and other functions such as menses.

Besides these questions, the acupuncturist will also palpitate the body at different points such as the wrist and fingers, searching for any tender points that need to be addressed.

Once the evaluation is done, then the acupuncturist will determine from the acupuncture point chart where the needles need to be inserted in the person's body to help them with their issues. There are twelve primary channels that are listed on the acupuncture point chart which cover all the major organs and systems in the body.

These systems and organs are the stomach, spleen, heart, kidney, gall bladder, lung, large intestine, small intestine, liver, pericardium, bladder, and San Jiao.

Acupuncture point charts also show the yin and yang channels in the body that correspond to these different pathways. There are three yin and three yang channels in each arm and three yin and three yang channels in each leg.

These channels are located in the foot and the hand and cover the main systems of the body that are listed above. These areas are treated by the insertion of needles into the areas relayed by the acupuncture point chart, and also by pressure being applied to the areas depending on what is needed by that particular individual.