Meridians are energy channels that run along the length of the body much like arteries, veins and nerves do. There are 71 important Meridians 12 Main meridians and 8 extra, 15 Lo,12 connecting, 12 Divergent from the main meridians,12 Muscle/Tendon meridians. sub-meridians. Each one is associated with an organ in the body which is responsible for various functions in the system.
Along these meridians are points related to specific functions. The needles used in acupuncture are solid, so they are thinner than hypodermic needles and usually do not cause as much discomfort. The needles used in puncture therapy vary in gauge (thickness), length and composition; in fact, some possess a combustible material at the top end that may be slowly burned while the needle is in place. This process is called moxibustion and provides heat stimulation to a specific point. Occasionally, electrical nerve stimulation units can be attached to the needles in order to facilitate a specific type of healing.
Using either these needles or pressure to stimulate the appropriate points and meridians enables the body's own energy to heal itself.
The points are the same for acupressure as they are for acupuncture - although the pressure is considered less invasive.
Other forms of using these point centers without piercing the skin involve using moxibustion sticks - a smoldering, smokeless stick that a practitioner may hold very close to the skin at the point so that heat may permeate the skin without burning or puncture or even pressure, and facilitate the necessary stimulation. Special laser pointers can do this too.