Point Location

Dear Patient,

During the pandemic, I made a bunch of acupressure videos for patients who wanted self-care tools while isolating at home. As expected, I received many questions about how to locate the points. People were very intent on finding the right spot.

It’s an inexact science, based on anatomical landmarks and body proportions. Even acupuncturists don’t always agree on where the points are located. I have a coworker who needles Gallbladder 41 in the spot that I think of as Gallbladder 42. But the treatments work, so who am I to correct them?

Point location is guided by palpation and intuition. You don’t need to know the names of the points or what they’re used for. Try pressing around on your forearm with your thumb—you’re bound to find some tender spots. When you do, spend a few moments pressing into the spot, breathing, tuning in to your body. Congratulations, you’ve just given yourself an acupressure treatment. 

This is the foundation of self-care: stillness, listening, response. Don’t worry about whether you’re finding the correct point locations. When you find the right spots for you, you’ll know it. 

Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist