Expert: John R. Cross - 4/27/2010

Question
QUESTION: Dr. Cross,

Would appreciate your comment.

When working on some acu-points on myself, sometimes I notice that there are blood vessels running underneath the points that I would need to press on.

For example KI 6, KI 4, KI 3, or LI 4. Just to mention a few.

Is it because I erroneously locate points?

In any case, are there any precautions to be observed when pressing the points coinciding with blood vessels?

Thank you,

TH

ANSWER: Hi TH

Thanks for the question. It requires a more complicated reply than would, at first, seem necessary. Firstly there are no contraindications on using acupressure on any point that has an arterial pulse deeper to it. I am always trying to convert therapists in using light touch in any case so when using these points you just accept the fact that there is a pulse and try to ignore it. Secondly, and more interesting, is that when you are working on any acupoint with focus and intention in a gentle way, a pulsing often appears under the finger. This is very similar to the effect that cranio-sacral therapists feel with the cranial rhythm. The pulsing indicates a state of tension of energy flow under the fingers when treating points in unison or balancing two points. The pulsing ceases and the area becomes much more relaxed when the acupoint has become harmonized. Hope this helps and best of luck - JRC

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Doctor Cross,

Thank you for a comprehensive response. Now I understand the cases when PULSING is under the finger or feels as if under the finger.
         
How about situations when not just pulse, but BLOOD CAPILLARY is actually VISIBLE under the skin, or even PROTRUDING above the skin surface?
         
When one presses an acupoint with such capillary, the feeling is that one is "breaking" the capillary or at least interrupting the flow of blood.
         
Are there any precautions in these cases?

Thanks for your time.
Respectfully.

Answer
I don't think it is because you erroneously locate the points. You always have to be careful when applying pressure to any acupoint or reflex point if there is an altered blood flow directly below the point. Examples would be thread veins, varicosities, old bruising, acute inflammation, contusions or lacerations. Again I emphasize using LIGHT or gentle touch. I think common sense in always required and if in doubt - DON'T!