Ki points

	TechGate: Han Kuk Mu Sul knowledge base Kupso Chirigui Oriental theory Ki paths Special Ki points
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Each point has specific effects on the different energy paths and/or organs of the body, depending on their location and relations with other paths and points.

Traditionally, 361 of those Ki points are distributed along the 12 Regular Meridians and the Tok and Im Extraordinary Vessels. From these, 309 are bilateral, belonging to the 12 Meridians, and the other 52 are located in the Tong and Im Vessels, along the center line of the human body.

There also exist from 20 to 394 Extraordinary Points, not located along any Ki path. In our Kupso Chirigui system we use 22 Extraordinary Points (only taught in Seminars and regular classes).

Point naming nomenclature and presentation vary from Country to Country (Oriental and Western), and form School to School (Martial and Healing).

Ther traditional way is to use names related to location features and functions, as a way to assist memorization of position and uses. The names (Chinese origin) and Hanja writing are almost the same in all Oriental Countries.

Ki points of the Large Intestine Regular Meridian located in the hand.

Today, there exist an alphanumeric systematic of classification, using a letter or couple of letters to name the meridian or vessel, and a correlative number for each point, starting at the origin of each energy path.

Extraordinary points (only taught ins Seminars and regular classes) are named in a similar fashion, where the letters refer to the anatomical and geographic position of the point.

Ki points located along Meridians can be normal or special Ki points.

Special Ki Points have extra functions, related to Ki distribution and balance. They are organized into groups, referring to the traditional understanding of the Ki flow along different energy paths.

Location

Ki points are no more than 2-5 mm in diameter, and are located in by anatomical marks, like small depressed areas between muscles, bones, tendons and cartilage hollows, skin foldings, hair lines, and nail borders, for example.

Points are located by precise measuring using the kun unit. The human body can be divided into symmetrical parts. To do so, the kun is used.

Traditionally, a kun is the measure of the space between the distal interphalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint on the middle finger., and it varies with each individual. A kun measure is taken from the tip of each skin folding as shown in the photo.

It can also be measured by the thickness of the thumb at the join between the 1st and 2nd phalange. There exists several other hand distances (as shown in the photo) used to facilitate body measuring.

In general, to make it easier to find them, points are sensitive to pressure and with varied texture, depending on the region and their Ki balance condition. When they are over nerves or blood paths (most of them), they tend to be more sensitive, even painful if their Ki condition is unbalanced. Usually, when it is suffering a Yang Ki blockage, points are numb and swollen. When Ki is Um drained, points are hollowed and depressed. Yang condition is also known as fullness (pain, heat), and Um as emptiness (stiffness, weakness).

Properties

	Ki point information for Kupso Chirigui usage       In the Ki points charts of Regular Meridians and Extraordinary Vessels we include Ki point uses in the Martial Arts, considering the Ki traditional perspective and the anatomical and physiological implications. Information provided is not always complete, and do not include detailed ways of attack (angles, force, and depth), or possible combinations or strategies of attack. Strategy, point combination and ways of attack are highly dependant on your body structure (height, weight, age, agility, etc.), ability, fighting strategy, and preferred body weapons (those you condition and are more apt to use). The absence of this specific information in our Site is due to its complexity and variability (enough to write a manual of several hundred pages). However, everything you need to start your personal research effort in the Kupso Chirigui discipline is there. Nevertheless, if you find some part difficult to understand or you think it is incomplete, please contact us through our Online Information Service with your suggestion. To speed up your learning process and fine-tune your technique, we encourage you to participate in one of our Kupso Chirigui Seminars.

It is said that manipulating a point will affect the area (surrounding and in-depth) where it is located, the regions where its Ki path passes through, and the organ or function to which its energy path is related.

Function is also depending on if the point is normal or special. If it is special, it will have a specific extra function related to the point grouping to which it belongs.

It should be noticed that the names of many Ki point are related to their qualities, and a more deep understanding of their traditional properties can be obtained by crossing the name and properties of related organs, meridian and region. For example, in the Kidney meridian, points KI23 to KI25 are related to the Spirit (Shen) storage and nutrition, referring to Oriental concepts of Life and vitality.

Kupso Chirigui application

Depending on their size, location (levels of muscular protection or depth) and properties (relation with nerves and other fragile anatomical features), Ki points may be attacked in different ways and from different angles, requiring different levels of pressure or striking power.

Kupso Chirigui strategies, related to point selection and attack tactics and angles of penetration, vary among individuals, depending on their fighting approaches, and considering the specific characteristics of the opponent.

Following ancient theories, the time of the day and the season of the year are also important in Ki point selection. Nonetheless, it not used for practical reasons.

Due to the nuances and complexity of Ki point selection, and the danger of experimentation in actual fighting situations, it has to be learned under the direct supervision of a knowledgeable Teacher, trained in this particular ability.