Korean Journal of Acupuncture

Society for Meridian and Acupoint (경락경혈학회)
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Understanding the Meaning and Features of Ashi Points

아시혈의 의미와 특성의 이해

  • Lee, Seoyoung (Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Ryu, Yeonhee (KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine) ;
  • Lee, In-Seon (Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Chae, Younbyoung (Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University)
  • 이서영 (경희대학교 침구경락융합연구센터) ;
  • 류연희 (한국한의학연구원 한의과학연구부) ;
  • 이인선 (경희대학교 침구경락융합연구센터) ;
  • 채윤병 (경희대학교 침구경락융합연구센터)
  • Received : 2022.08.03
  • Accepted : 2022.08.31
  • Published : 2022.09.27
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Abstract

Objectives : Acupoints are divided into three categories: classical acupoints, extra-acupoints, and Ashi points. The aim of this study was to understand the meaning and features of Ashi points. Methods : We examined the original meaning of Ashi points from the classical medical texts, including the Beijiqianjinyaofang, the Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies, and the Huangdi Neijing, the Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine. Results : First, the Ashi method is to locate the points for the acupuncture and moxibustion based on the patients' reactions mainly manifested by sensations of comfort and pain, which can help identify not only Ashi points but also classical and extra-acupoints. Thus, Ashi points may or may not match to classical or extra-acupoints, and we propose that Ashi points should not be classified mutually exclusive to classical or extra-acupoints. Second, there are several similarities between Ashi points and myofascial trigger points. They are located by palpation and have no fixed anatomical positions. Patients experience painful but pleasant feeling when Ashi and myofascial trigger points are pressed, and stimulation of these points have treatment effects. Conclusions : We suggest that Ashi method be used to identify the acupoints based on how patients react when these points are pressed. Ashi points may or may not correspond to classical or extra-acupoints, and share traits with myofascial trigger points.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (No. 2021R1F1A1046705) and Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KSN1812181).

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