Trigger points

A trigger point is a place on the surface of the body that provides access to the energy flows of the body and via these to the functions of the body.

Analogously, we can think of this like a computer system with its software [our body software] with numerous complex functional dependencies, which are capable of being invoked by some form of physical stimulus – the acupressure points being like the click of a mouse or the pressure of a finger on a touch screen – except we are the touch screen! So a trigger point is a bit like a type of input device.

Trigger points can be used to treat illness or invoke spiritual experience using

• either compression of parts of the body [acupressure]
• or using needles [acupuncture]. 

The objective is to trigger the functions of the organs by stimulating trigger points, or  reconnect damaged links between functions and provide a better ‘throughput’ of the energy between organs. 

Synonyms

There are numerous synonyms for trigger points :

• Tsubos – this is the term used in Shiatsu. There are now over 660 trigger points in this system

• Reflex areas – in Reflexology

• Acupressure points – in TCM

• Acupuncture points – in TCM

• Trigger points – in Osteopathy and Craniosacral therapy

• Acupoints

• Plaques –Professor Guiseppe Calligaris’s methods defined them as “a multitude of small skin areas usually 8-13 mm in diameter that become sensitive with certain bodily processes, emotions, mental or psychic activities”.   

• Xue - trigger points are known in Qigong as 'Xue'

How many trigger points are there?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) there are a precise and finite number.  As a consequence, trigger points are referred to in TCM either by their traditional name, or by the name of the meridian on which they are located, followed by a number to indicate what order the point is in on the meridian.

 A common point on the hand, for example, is named Hegu, and referred to as LI 4 which means that it is the fourth point on the Large Intestine meridian.

An example is shown left  for the head, which shows both the name and the number.

GV stands for Governor Vessel a very key meridian spiritually.

But there may be many many more trigger points that have not yet been identified.

It is worth noting that Professor Calligari’s mappings are perhaps more detailed and complete than the eastern systems, for more details see the section on Professor Guiseppe Calligaris.

Observations

For iPad/iPhone users: tap letter twice to get list of items.

• Calligaris, Professor Giuseppe - Beyond the world sensible
• Chris Astill Smith & James - 'Diagnostic Session'
• Dr Yang, Jwing-Ming - Qigong Meditation Embryonic Breathing - The Golden triangle
• Effect of acupressure with valerian oil 2.5% on the quality and quantity of sleep in patients with acute coronary syndrome in a cardiac intensive care unit
• Empedocles - The Clepsydra
• Mudras - Cleansing mudra
• Mudras - Ease mudra [lalitasana]
• Mudras - Fountain rim mudra - Lower belt meridian
• Mudras - Fountain spray - Upper belt meridian
• Mudras - Savasana - the 'Offering mudra'
• The Complete Book of Principal Contents of Human Life and Temperament, About Large, and Small Tripod and Furnace