Throughout the body, there are many different pressure points. These pressure points are small areas that react to stimuli throughout the body.

Acupuncture works on the principle that an energy or life force called qi, flows throughout the body. Illness, pain or unwell feelings are usually caused by the natural flow of qi being interrupted, changed or altered in some way. To restore the natural flow of qi to our bodies, acupuncture points or 'acupoints' as they are known, are targeted.

There are specific acupoints in the body that need to be targeted in order to achieve the desired results. Specific points are used for specific ailments. The science of acupuncture has been used by the Chinese culture for over 3000 years. The pressure points used in acupuncture are the same whether the treatment be laser acupuncture, sonopuncture or acupressure.

The body has hundreds of acupuncture points. These points are located on what are called 'meridians'. Meridians are points that correlate to different parts of the body. To an untrained person these meridians may not seem to connect, e.g. treating a part of a hand in order to relieve a headache. In addition to meridian points there are pressure points throughout the body. An acupuncture practitioner will target the appropriate pressure points to relieve the discomfort endured by the patient.

The stimulation of the flow of qi back to that part of the body that assists in the healing of the condition is achieved when the correct pressure points are treated. In order to be able to locate the correct points for required treatment, acupuncturists are trained to know which pressure points relate to which part of the body. A headache is a good example. One would need to know which pressure points to stimulate in order to relieve the pain and achieve the right end result. The pressure point could very well not be anywhere near your head and could be in your hand or your foot.

The specific treatment point could easily be located on the exact opposite side of the body from where the pain is felt, as qi flows throughout the body in a never-ending stream.

Professional acupuncturists use many categories of pressure points to treat different conditions and choose points connected to the part of the body causing pain or discomfort. The Five Transporting Point system is one of the most common methods used. Other methods include the Five Points Phases, Lou-connecting, Xi-Cleft, Back-shu and a number of others.

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