Pressure points are found all over the body. They may consist of a cluster of nerves or be a sensitive spot on a muscle, tendon, or blood vessel. These areas have been used since ancient times to both promote health (with acupressure and shiatsu massage) and cause harm (in martial arts). More than that, we use pressure points without thinking about it every day.
Placement
There are pressure points throughout the body. Not all of them are immediately obvious. Since the body is symmetrical, the placement of pressure points is also symmetrical. This is the case even on the back and chest. On the back, the spine works as a divider, with pressure points on either side of it. Note that the spine itself is not considered a pressure point. In fact, one should not apply direct pressure to the spine at all.
Effects
Pressing down on pressure points will cause one of two primary effects: pain or pleasure. Pressure points can also be used to control bleeding.
Common Uses
Many people use acupressure without thinking about it. We rub our temples when our head hurts looking for relief, apply pressure to our neck when trying to relieve tension, and massage our lower back when we have been seated for too long. All of these are pressure points, and, though no one specifically trained us in their use, we recognize their effects on how we feel.
In Media
Pressure points appear in media fairly often, particularly in martial arts movies. For example, in "Kill Bill, Volume 2," the audience is introduced to the fictional pressure point attack called Pai Mei's Five Point Palm Exploding Heart technique, capable of killing someone within five steps of it being used.
In "Miss Congeniality", Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) demonstrates the use of pressure points in self defense, teaching the acronym S.I.N.G.: solar plexus (a muscle not far below the end of the ribcage), instep (inside of the foot), nose, and groin. Three of these are pressure points on the body that cause significant pain if pressed with enough force: The solar plexus assists in the regulation of breathing. One good strike there forces the breath out of an opponent. Anyone who has been hit in the nose or the groin knows how much those areas hurt when hit.
Throughout the television series "Xena: Warrior Princess", Xena (Lucy Lawless) used traditional pressure point knowledge against her opponents regularly.
Warning
Pressure points should only be used as a supplement to standard medical care. Due to the possible disruption of blood flow or nerves, they should not be used at all for those with heart conditions. Also, be aware that the use of pressure points on another person can constitute massage or medical care, both of which may require a license. If you are interested in sharing your knowledge, keep it among friends or seek a licensing program in your area.
Tags: pressure point, have been, martial arts, medical care, nose groin