By Henry Tse, Driving Innovation in Para-Medical at RMT Clinic Network Organization
Glossary of Acupuncture Terms – 100 Definitions
| S.No | Term | What It Means (For You, the Patient) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ah-Shi Point | Tender spot not on a meridian, identified by sensitivity. Often used for localized pain relief. |
| 2 | Acupuncture (Zhenjiu) | Insertion of fine needles into specific points to balance Qi, stimulate healing, and relieve pain. |
| 3 | Acupuncture Point (Acupoint) | Specific location on the body where needles are inserted to influence Qi flow. |
| 4 | Acupressure | Manual pressure applied to acupoints to simulate effects of acupuncture without needles. |
| 5 | Auricular Acupuncture | Acupuncture technique focusing on the ear as a microsystem of the whole body. |
| 6 | Bladder Meridian | Primary meridian associated with urinary function and energy regulation. |
| 7 | Channel (Meridian) | Pathways that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, forming the energy network. |
| 8 | Chong Mai | An extraordinary vessel regulating reproductive health and menstrual cycles. |
| 9 | Cupping | A therapy using suction cups to mobilize blood and promote healing. |
| 10 | Cui Zhu (Ear Seeds) | Small seeds applied to auricular points for ongoing acupressure stimulation. |
| 11 | Direct Moxibustion | Burning mugwort directly on the skin to stimulate acupoints and warm channels.aaaaaaaaaa |
| 12 | Distal Point | Acupoint located far from the affected area but used therapeutically via meridians. |
| 13 | Electroacupuncture | Application of small electrical currents to acupuncture needles for enhanced effect. |
| 14 | Eight Extraordinary Vessels | Vessels that regulate Qi and Blood across the main meridians. |
| 15 | Fascia | Connective tissue that surrounds muscles and may transmit acupuncture signals. |
| 16 | Five Elements | Philosophical system (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) guiding diagnosis and treatment. |
| 17 | Governor Vessel (Du Mai) | Extraordinary meridian running along the spine, linked to yang energy. |
| 18 | Herbal Moxibustion | Burning of herbs near acupoints to stimulate healing and blood flow. |
| 19 | Jing (Essence) | Vital substance stored in the kidneys, associated with growth and development. |
| 20 | Jing Mai | Major channels through which Qi flows, similar to meridians. |
| 21 | Kidney Meridian | Principal meridian related to growth, reproduction, and water metabolism. |
| 22 | Liver Meridian | Influences emotional regulation, blood storage, and smooth flow of Qi. |
| 23 | Lung Meridian | Associated with respiration, skin, and Wei Qi (defensive energy). |
| 24 | Meridian Therapy | Technique focusing on harmonizing energy flow through meridians. |
| 25 | Moxibustion | Burning dried mugwort (moxa) to warm regions and stimulate energy flow. |
| 26 | Needle Insertion Depth | Depth at which needles are inserted to access therapeutic effects. |
| 27 | Needle Manipulation | Twisting, lifting, or thrusting the needle to stimulate Qi. |
| 28 | Pain Gate Theory | Western theory suggesting acupuncture blocks pain signals to the brain. |
| 29 | Pericardium Meridian | Protects the heart and regulates circulation. |
| 30 | Pulse Diagnosis | Reading radial pulse to assess organ function and Qi status. |
| 31 | Qi Deficiency | Lack of energy or vitality causing fatigue and organ dysfunction. |
| 32 | Qi Stagnation | Impaired Qi flow, often causing pain, mood swings, or menstrual issues. |
| 33 | Reinforcing Technique | Needling technique to tonify or strengthen Qi. |
| 34 | Reducing Technique | Needling method to disperse or clear excess Qi. |
| 35 | Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) | Extra meridian regulating reproductive and hormonal functions. |
| 36 | Sanjiao (Triple Burner) | Functional organ in TCM regulating water pathways and metabolism. |
| 37 | Scalp Acupuncture | System of acupuncture applied to specific zones of the scalp. |
| 38 | Spleen Meridian | Manages digestion, blood production, and nutrient absorption. |
| 39 | Stomach Meridian | Linked to appetite, digestion, and reproductive areas. |
| 40 | Tendon Meridian | Channel that governs muscles and tendons. |
| 41 | Tongue Diagnosis | Analyzing tongue shape, color, and coating to determine disharmony. |
| 42 | Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) | System of health and healing including acupuncture, herbs, and massage. |
| 43 | Wei Qi | Defensive Qi that protects against external pathogens. |
| 44 | Wind-Cold Invasion | Pattern of illness marked by chills, stiffness, and sneezing. |
| 45 | Xue (Blood) | Vital substance nourishing organs and tissues. |
| 46 | Yang | Dynamic, active, and external energy of the body. |
| 47 | Yang Deficiency | Lack of warmth and drive, often with cold limbs and fatigue. |
| 48 | Yin | Cool, passive, and nourishing energy in the body. |
| 49 | Yin Deficiency | Pattern associated with dryness, insomnia, and night sweats. |
| 50 | Yintang | Extra point between eyebrows, calming and used for anxiety. |
| 51 | Zang-Fu Organs | TCM concept of organs in pairs—Zang (solid), Fu (hollow). |
| 52 | Back-Shu Points | Points on the back that correspond to internal organs. |
| 53 | Front-Mu Points | Abdominal points used to assess and treat Zang-Fu organs. |
| 54 | Harmonizing | Balancing Qi between two organ systems. |
| 55 | Tonification | Strengthening of deficient Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang. |
| 56 | Dispersing | Clearing excess or stagnation from a meridian. |
| 57 | Dampness | Pathogenic factor causing heaviness, lethargy, or swelling. |
| 58 | Heat | Pathogen characterized by fever, thirst, irritability, and inflammation. |
| 59 | Cold | Pathogen associated with chills, contraction, and slow circulation. |
| 60 | Fire | Excessive heat in the body, often leading to dryness and agitation. |
| 61 | Phlegm | Pathological accumulation that obstructs Qi and consciousness. |
| 62 | Shaoyang Syndrome | Half-exterior, half-interior illness with alternating chills/fever. |
| 63 | Taiyang Syndrome | Pattern indicating exterior cold with body aches and chills. |
| 64 | Taiyin Syndrome | Pattern involving cold and damp in the digestive system. |
| 65 | Jueyin Syndrome | Advanced pattern with internal heat and cold coexistence. |
| 66 | Six Stages Theory | Diagnostic system for external illness progression. |
| 67 | Four Levels Theory | Theory for febrile diseases affecting Qi, Blood, and Organs. |
| 68 | Eight Principles | Basic diagnostic framework: Yin/Yang, Interior/Exterior, Cold/Heat, Deficiency/Excess. |
| 69 | Five Zang Organs | Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney—core systems of internal function. |
| 70 | Six Fu Organs | Gallbladder, Stomach, Small/Large Intestines, Bladder, Sanjiao. |
| 71 | Qi Gong | Energy cultivation practice for health and spiritual balance. |
| 72 | Tuina | Chinese medical massage therapy using acupressure and manipulation. |
| 73 | Gua Sha | Scraping therapy to release heat and stagnation. |
| 74 | Cao Yao (Herbs) | Medicinal plants used to correct imbalances. |
| 75 | Bian Que | Famed historical physician considered the father of TCM. |
| 76 | Shen | Spirit or mental function reflected in the eyes and behavior. |
| 77 | Zhen Jiu Xue | The study of acupuncture and moxibustion points. |
| 78 | Mingmen | Life Gate—point associated with vitality and Kidney Yang. |
| 79 | Eight Influential Points | Points that influence specific tissues/organs like blood, marrow. |
| 80 | Crossing Points | Points where multiple meridians intersect. |
| 81 | Empirical Points | Points known to treat specific diseases based on clinical experience. |
| 82 | He-Sea Points | Used for internal organ imbalances. |
| 83 | Jing-Well Points | Located at the extremities, treat acute or mental conditions. |
| 84 | Yuan-Source Points | Primary points that access the organ’s original Qi. |
| 85 | Luo-Connecting Points | Link paired Yin-Yang meridians. |
| 86 | Xi-Cleft Points | Used for acute conditions and pain. |
| 87 | Command Points | Powerful points for specific body regions. |
| 88 | Mu Point | Front points indicating organ disharmony. |
| 89 | Shu Point | Back points used diagnostically and therapeutically. |
| 90 | Zhou Tian | Small celestial orbit—meditation path connecting Ren & Du channels. |
| 91 | An Shen | Extra point used to calm the mind and aid sleep. |
| 92 | San Yin Jiao (SP6) | Key point for women’s health, stress, and digestion. |
| 93 | Li4 (Hegu) | Used for headaches, pain, immune response. |
| 94 | ST36 (Zusanli) | Fortifies Qi, strengthens digestion, boosts immunity. |
| 95 | PC6 (Neiguan) | Calms spirit, relieves nausea and heart palpitations. |
| 96 | LV3 (Taichong) | Moves Liver Qi, relieves stress and pain. |
| 97 | GV20 (Baihui) | Calms the spirit, raises Yang, clears the mind. |
| 98 | KD1 (Yongquan) | Grounding point, reduces excess, treats fear and insomnia. |
| 99 | LU7 (Lieque) | Expels wind, opens lungs, treats respiratory issues. |
| 100 | UB40 (Weizhong) | Back/knee pain relief and skin conditions. |
| 101 | SI3 (Houxi) | Clears mind, benefits neck and spine. |
| 102 | HT7 (Shenmen) | Calms Shen, treats insomnia and anxiety. |
Written by Henry Tse
Founder, RMT Clinic Network Organization
Helping Canadians connect with trusted para-medical professionals coast to coast.
