Acupuncture Terms

Meridian – 經 (jīng) – 경 – けい – Kinh

A meridian is a primary longitudinal pathway that organizes and directs functional activity, sensation, and regulation, forming the main channels used in acupuncture to connect surface points with deeper systems and core processes.

Collateral – 絡 (luò) – 락 – らく – Lạc

A collateral is a secondary branching network that spreads activity outward from the primary pathways, allowing acupuncture to influence finer distribution, localized regulation, and communication between the main channels and surrounding tissues.

Vessel / Channel – 脈 (mài) – 맥 – みゃく – Mạch

A vessel or channel refers to a functional conduit through which circulation, signaling, and regulation occur, serving as the operative framework in acupuncture for influencing flow, connectivity, and systemic response across the body.

Point – 穴 (xué) – 혈 – あな – Huyệt

A point is a precise, responsive site on a channel where functional activity gathers and can be accessed, allowing acupuncture to influence circulation, regulation, sensation, and communication between surface input and deeper systemic processes.

Tonify – 補 (bǔ) – 보 – ほ – Bổ

Tonify refers to an acupuncture action that supports and strengthens deficient function, enhancing availability, stability, and capacity by reinforcing what is lacking so systems can sustain activity, regulation, and recovery more effectively.

Reduce – 瀉 (xiè) – 사 – しゃ – Tả

Reduce refers to an acupuncture action that disperses excess or constrained activity, easing accumulation, pressure, or obstruction so circulation can normalize and functional processes regain balance and appropriate movement.

Moxa – 灸 (jiǔ) – 구 – きゅう – Cứu

Moxa refers to a heat-based acupuncture method that applies sustained warmth to points or channels, supporting circulation, activation, and restoration of function by gently reinforcing movement and vitality where cold, weakness, or stagnation are present.

Perpendicular – 直刺 (zhí cì) – 직자 – ちょくし – Trực thích

Perpendicular refers to an acupuncture insertion technique in which the needle is inserted straight toward the body’s depth, allowing direct access to a point’s primary action while minimizing lateral influence on surrounding tissues or channels.

Oblique – 斜刺 (xié cì) – 사자 – しゃし – Tà thích

Oblique refers to an acupuncture insertion technique in which the needle is angled along the surface or channel direction, allowing influence over a broader area while reducing depth, risk, and direct penetration of deeper structures.

Subcutaneous – 皮下刺 (pí xià cì) – 피하자 – ひかし – Hạ bì thích

Subcutaneous refers to an acupuncture insertion technique in which the needle travels within the superficial tissue layer beneath the skin, allowing gentle regulation, spreading influence, and surface-level modulation without engaging deeper structures.

Prick – 刺 (cì) – 자 – し – Thích

Prick refers to a brief, precise acupuncture action used to stimulate, release, or vent localized stagnation, heat, or excess, often activating rapid response through minimal insertion or superficial contact at a specific point.