Meridians and Qi / Acupuncture points

Meridians and Qi: the clinical basis of acupuncture

The meridian system was mapped more than four thousand years ago — an achievement of observation and systematisation that retains its clinical value to this day. The 365 acupuncture points located on the meridians are gateways through which the practitioner can influence the flow of Qi, strengthen what is deficient and restore imbalances. Understanding the relationship between meridians, Qi and acupuncture points is at the core of clinical TCM practice.

Acupuncture points: local and distal

Every acupuncture point has two therapeutic ranges. The local range treats complaints in the immediate area of the point — a point on the shoulder for shoulder pain, a point around the eye for eye complaints. The distal range treats complaints located far from the point but along the same meridian pathway. The best-known example is LI 4 (Hegu, Large Intestine 4 on the hand): this point is excellent for headache, toothache and facial complaints because the Large Intestine meridian ends at the nose and face.

This combination of local and distal action makes acupuncture so versatile: complaints can be treated through points that are anatomically far removed from the site of the complaint. This is also why acupuncture can be effective for conditions in areas that are difficult to reach directly.

Names and numbers

In the Chinese tradition, every acupuncture point has a poetic name referring to its function, location or character. Zusanli (Stomach 36) means "three distances along the leg"; Hegu (LI 4) means "joining valley"; Shenmen (Heart 7) means "spirit gate". These names are not decoration — they are memory aids that describe the essence of the point.

In the West, the points have been numbered and named after their corresponding meridian: Lung 7, Liver 3, Stomach 36. This system simplifies international communication but loses the poetic meaning of the Chinese names. In clinical training, it is valuable to know both systems.

The hundred most powerful points

Of the 365 acupuncture points, about one hundred are particularly powerful and clinically versatile. These points are studied most intensively and form the core of acupuncture practice. They include the Shu Antique points, Source points, Luo points, influential points and a range of powerful local and distal points. Anyone who knows these hundred points well — their location, functions and therapeutic applications — has an excellent foundation for effective clinical practice.