1. Poke and Prod
Among all point location methods, palpation remains the most effective way to find acupuncture points with therapeutic value. Acupuncture points found by palpation may be of three types; tender, empty and full. The first group of points will be those that are tender to the touch. These may be empty or full. Empty acupuncture points are those that do not have enough energy at the point to fulfill its function. It may be tender as noted, or it may be nontender, but feel empty or hollow upon palpation. It will feel as though there is a hole below the skin with a lack of tissue beneath it. Empty but tender points often generate paradoxically enjoyable pain in that the point slightly hurts but also feels good upon palpation.
Other points will be full, meaning that they have too much energy in them as a result of stagnation or blockage, causing a loss of function. These points also may be tender or non-tender, and will feel like a hard nodule or lump beneath the skin. Few acupuncture points are located directly over bone, but even those that are can be divided into the same three categories. Spend some time palpating and massaging yourself or a partner and with practice you can easily identify these three types of points.
2. Use the Cookbook
Many web resources as well as books and magazine article_temps have been written about acupuncture points that can treat common maladies. For example, the point in the webbing between the thumb and index finger has been described extensively as a headache point. These common, simple point prescriptions are often called cookbook acupuncture.
With experimentation, you will find points that respond to acupressure. Only trained and licensed acupuncturists should perform acupuncture, using sterile, disposable needles. Without proper training and safety precautions, acupuncture can result in injury, infection or death.
3. Follow the Tradition
The traditional method matches patient symptoms to patterns of disorder or disease observed over the millennia. The process takes place through the clinical interview. So your acupuncturist will ask many questions during the first visit. These questions are not to make small talk, but to delve deeply into the pattern of the disorder. You may have come to the acupuncturist to be treated for headaches, and the practitioner will ask you not only about the headaches, but also about your sleep, digestion, energy levels, reproductive health and other areas. The questions lead to a diagnosis, and from the diagnosis the practitioner will develop a point prescription using points with appropriate functions.
It seems simple to insert thin needles into the skin, but the system requires practice and training to master. You can learn to treat yourself and your friends and family with acupressure and essential oils on the points, but it is best if you leave the needling to the professionals.
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