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Acupoints are areas that vibrate at a subtly different frequency than the surrounding tissue and can often be located by pressing on them. If there is any kind of problem they will be tender to the touch. There are also points known as 'Ashi Points', where Qi is stagnant, and these also are most often tender to the touch. Ashi points can occur anywhere and are usually not associated with any channel. The difference between Usui's method and the methods employed by TCM practitioners is the way in which acupoints are activated. In Usui's method Qi is activated by a simple laying on of hands. Until recently, this placing of hands has seemed quite arbitrary. The evidence now is that the placing of hands is anything but. Both Dr. Usui and Dr. Hayashi treated specific diseases by placing their hands on specific acupoints and combinations of acupoints to produce the desired effect. Loagong is the point used in Qi Gong practice to 'emit Qi' over a distance and also one of the points through which one learns to breath. In Chakra theory, the palms of the hands house minor chakras which are connected by a system of channels called 'nadis' to the heart and other major chakras. Chakras, historically, have been accessed internally by meditation rather than by any external method. As well, the purpose in accessing Chakras has been more to pursue the spiritual journey rather than to heal the body. In some quarters, current thinking suggests that, while the Chakra system and the Meridian system are actually two separate systems, Chakras may be accessed via specific acupoints. I personally, find this very exciting. It means that the spiritual journey and the healing journey become intimately interwoven and mutually inclusive. As we go through the points suggested by the hand positions illustrated, I will try to mention, somewhat in passing, how the Chakras fit in. See also my page on the Chakras. Laogong / "Palace of Toil" The first energy point to know is called Laogong. In the channel system this is the 8th point on the Pericardium Channel. It is also the fire point on a fire channel. In English it is known as "Palace of Toil.' Laogong is located on the palm of the hand between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones. This point is easily located by making a fist and where the middle finger comes to rest is Laogong. The Pericardium channel is used to treat all disorders of the heart at the physical and metaphysical levels. Its companion point, Shaofu, is the 8th point on the Heart Channel. Shaofu is also a fire point on a fire channel. The Heart Channel is not an original channel according to the ancient texts. It was added some time later. In modern times it is used exclusively for psycho-emotional disorders. According to ancient belief 'the Heart houses the Mind.' That is, one's essence or true self resides in the heart. The brain is actually seen as a sort of empty sac responsible for gathering, storing data, and housing intelligence, but not the creative potential that makes us human. Shaofu is located by making a fist and noting where the little finger falls. Loagong is the point on the hand through which Qi Gong practitioners learn to 'breath' and through which Qi is emitted. This is the point that we as Reiki practitioners need to learn about and use to emit the Ki of Reiki. Zhongchong / "Middle Rushing" The other point of note, used extensively by Dr. Usui to deliver Qi, is Zhongchong, located at the tip of the middle finger. This is the 9th and last point on the Pericardium Channel. This is known as a Jing Well point. Jing Well points are mostly located at the base of the nails of the fingers and toes. Zhongching is the only actually located at the tip of a finger . They are the most dynamic points of a channel. They are described as the points at which the Qi bubbles up from the interior like a well and are generally considered to have a very powerful effect along the entire channel. Zhongchong is the most distal of all the Jing Well points and is well suited for restoring consciousness which occurs when the spirit is dislodged from the heart. As an 'emitting Qi' point then, Zhongchong has a particular effect on spirit. In Reiki, these are the most important points to know. These points, are points through which Qi flows when hands are placed. These are both directly connected to the heart at both a physical and metaphysical level. Acupoints on the body are located bilaterally, except for the midlines down the front and the back. Points are located equidistant from the midline on each side of the body. For example, there are actually two Laogong points, on on the palm of the right hand and one on palm of the left hand. In Acupuncture and Reiki practice, except for the midline, all treatments should be done on both sides of the body. This is not a hard and fast rule, but for best results two hands should be used as much as possible. In my view, hand positions are neither arbitrary nor are they random. They are placed, in Usui's system, according to Acupoints on the body depending on the healing effect one desires to promote. In most western Reiki teachings where hand positions are taught, and acupoint location is not, a full body treatment is usually insisted upon. This is done to 'cover all the bases.' Generally speaking, if one places one's hands anywhere in the vicinity of a point, the overflow of Qi will find its way into the point and have a healing effect. This is why Reiki is most often effective, up to a point. However, if one lines up the Laogong or Zhongchong point precisely with a particular point on the body or head, then Qi flows much more powerfully. Furthermore, specific effects will be much more predictable and reproducible. Reiki, will be much more than just something that is safer to do than take a Valium. There will be specific physical healing. In my opinion, Usui's Reiki is not an 'intuitive' system in the sense that one receives guidance from angels or some other ephemeral source. It is a system based on extensive knowledge of Qi, Qi flow through the body, and entry points proven to be effective by 5,000 years of practice. The rituals and meditations of Dr. Usui are much more for the purpose of preparing the practitioner. Not so much, as has been suggested in some quarters for diagnosing and treating the patient. Finally, when all is said and done, the best way to deliver Reiki is still the full body treatment, in my opinion. There is something about 'making the journey', as Dr. Usui did, that seems desirable and even necessary, at least for the time being.
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