Understanding the Pressure Points
Pressure points are of different types. When applied differently each of these create effects which are different. These are effectively used in various martial arts.
Following are some of the principles related to pressure points –
Pain – If there are more nerves prevalent in a certain area then these points are more painful. The human body has a natural tendency to move away from pain. This is called the pain withdrawal reflex. These are used effectively in martial arts.
For instance, if you apply pressure near the collar bone from above, the person will move downwards which is away from the pain. If you poke them between the jaw and the neck just below the ear, they will move upwards.
If you apply pressure to the shoulder, the side of the body where the pressure is applied will move backwards. If you jab the abdomen people will twist violently away from pain.
If the back is rubbed down, the body will move forwards. This is because some points react violently to change in pressure rather than applying constant pressure.
The carotid artery has a baroreceptor which is sensitive to pressure. This allows the body to control the flow of blood to the brain. If pressure is applied to this region, the body will automatically lower the blood pressure as the signals will indicate a rise in blood pressure. This may eventually cause a black out.
If veins and arteries are struck, it will cause them to shut or tear thereby leading to a blackout and sometimes even death if not attended to on time.
The loose rib and the philtrum are areas on top of the skull which even breaks if stuck at the right point.
Certain joints get hyper extended or even torn apart when stuck. This technique can even cause permanent damage or disfiguration of the opponent.
Striking is of two types – using brute force and Golgi organs. Brutal force takes advantage of the striking point being vulnerable and causes extensive damage.
Golgi organs are a relatively gentle strike on the Golgi tendon which is at the back of the elbow. Striking this triggers a reflex which in turn relaxes the tendon immediately.
When this happens the elbow bends effortlessly in the wrong direction. When the elbow is stuck immediately with force, it can even break. This is much easier than applying brute force.
The brain is enclosed in the skull because it is very vulnerable. The brain is balanced on the spine which is flexible and it floats in the cerebral spinal fluid. Martial arts also teach techniques which can shake the brain to the extent that it causes blackout.
What is commonly taught in the martial arts is to strike below the occipital ridge at the right angle and in the right direction. The temples and the top of the skull are also vulnerable to these techniques. The same principles apply to the techniques of acupuncture.
Some people also believe that the acupuncture meridians have the energy channels flowing through them around the body. This energy is referred to as the “qi” in Asia.
TCM states that there are various pathways called meridians in the human body on which there are a lot of acupressure points.
When these points are pressed or seized or striked with a specific intent at a predetermined angle it alters the qi circulation. Doing this either heightens or diminishes the circulation of energy in the body. All this can be achieved through the procedure of acupuncture.
There is one thing to be understood here. Pressure points used in martial arts is not the acupuncture points used for treatment of disorders. Acupuncture points are those which are very effective in treatment without causing a lot of pain.
Secondly, though acupuncture is very effective medically, it is not as effective as to stop a person who is attacking you. Acupuncturists actually combine points to produce a healing effect as we have seen earlier.
