• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.84-90
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• 2022

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.