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Acupuncture Point Categories, Part One

Acupuncture points are each given their own special functions as they relate to a variety of different systems that together make up "Traditional Chinese Medicine" (TCM). Let's take a closer look at these.

The five transporting points system is defined as "the flow of qi in the channels using a river analogy, and ascribes function to points along this flow line according to their location." The five transporting points system explains qi as a substance that bubbles up from a spring and gets larger in both width and depth and eventually resembles a river that is flowing in a downward direction from a mountain and into the ocean.

Jing-well points specifically are the area where the qi ends up bubbling upwards. The jing-well points are always without fail the last points on the channels of the yin or otherwise the first points according to where the channels of yang are located. With one exception, the Kid-1 YongQuan, all other points can be found on the tips of both fingers as well as toes of both hands and both feet. Jing-well points are often used in relation to the abdomen or the "epigastric or hypochondrium region." As well jing-well points describe disorders that occur in the "zang organs" which are the organs that are ruled by the yang or the masculine component.

Moving right along, the ying-spring points are the location where the qi is able to effectively glide or slide down the channel in question. Ying-spring points are connected with changes that take place in the complexion as well as heat that is needed to keep the body warm. Shu-stream points are the location where the qi pours down the channel in much the same way rain pours from the sky. Shu-stream points have to do with pain and discomfort in the tendons and joints as well as intermittent kinds of diseases and a feeling of heaviness in the body as if it is being pulled down.

Jing-river points are the location where the qi is able to flow down from the channel. Jing-river points have to do with many respiratory problems as well as fever and chills, coughs and dyspnoea, diseases that take place in the bones and sinews and finally health problems that affect the vocal cords and serve to alter a person's way of speaking. He-sea points describe the area where the qi comes together and collects on the surface and from here it starts to make its way deeper into the interior of the human body. He-sea points have a great deal to do with digestive functions and come about often due to irregular eating and drinking patterns as well as diarrhea and the "counter flow of qi."

These are some of the categories of acupuncture points but not all of them. In part two we will look at the five phase points, the xi-cleft points, the yuan-source points, the luo-connecting points, the back-shu points, the front-mu points and the hui-meeting points. It is important to note what each one of the points is linked to in relation to the human body.