Human pain points were often mentioned in the media. For example, in Star Trek, Spock uses a pressure technique on the base of an opponent's neck to eliminate them. The authors and fans explain that such a technique should block the flow of blood through the vessels, the blood should not enter the brain. This should be the reason for the loss of consciousness. From a scientific point of view, this is, of course, impossible. However, it becomes unpleasant and painful for a person when someone rubs his temples too intensively or presses hard on the neck muscles located near the jaw.
What are pain points?
These are certain places on the human body, the impact on which causes pain and discomfort. Moreover, they are called points only because of the nature of the impact on them. Their origin and structure is not known for certain. One of the versions is that in this place the nerve endings are closer to the skin than usual, but the hypothesis has not been proven. Complicates research in this area and the subjectivity of the sensations of each person, differences in the location of such points on the bodies of different people.
Where are they?
All pain points on the human bodycan be divided into three main groups. Heads:
- eyes;
- nose;
- ears;
- whiskey;
- lips;
- chin.
Torso:
- solar plexus;
- armpits;
- groin;
- kidneys;
- false edge.
Legs:
- knees;
- ankles;
- shin;
- foot.
Also, pain points differ in their soreness. The modern method of influencing them distinguishes 5 groups:
- The first level is the weakest. A blow to such a point does not harm the opponent and can only serve as a distraction.
- Second level - has a stronger effect than the first, but also does not cause significant harm to the attacker.
- The third level can already harm the opponent. By hitting the points of this level, you can stun the enemy or achieve numbness of his limbs.
- Fourth level - impact on the points of this level can lead to serious consequences: injury, loss of consciousness and even paralysis.
- Fifth level - exposure to such points can be fatal.
It is important that the impact on the points of the fourth and fifth level is recommended only in extreme cases that threaten your life.
Scientifically
In the movies, we see how pressing certain parts of the body can incapacitate a person or even kill him, but is this scientifically true? Exista lot of misconceptions around pain points. What is it really? Is it good to put pressure on them? In fact, pain points on the body can both hurt if you beat them, and help, there is massaging them. Can a hit on a painful point lead to death? The answer to this question is unknown.
History and use in martial arts
Despite the fact that science has not proven the existence of pressure points, people have long used them in hand-to-hand combat. The first mention of the use of such a technique is rooted in the martial arts of Japan. It is associated with the name of Minamoto Yoshimitsu, a Japanese samurai who lived from 1045-1127. It is believed that he was the first to use pressure points in combat. Minamoto examined the bodies of dead rivals. He sought to understand the structure and location of pain points and how to act on them correctly in order to cause pain or even death. Of course, mastering this technique took many years, because not everyone knows where and at what angle to hit, when and how to hit the nerve.
However, pressure points were used not only as a way to harm a person. They are actively used in Chinese medicine. The Chinese believed that "meridional points" are the place through which life energy passes. Acupuncture is a technique of influencing such points to achieve balance with your body, improve blood and lymph circulation, and increase the metabolic rate.
While critics consider acupuncture to be an unscientific practice, a 2006 study showed that it helps reduce back pain. Also, massage of specific points of the body can help with headaches caused by stress, clamping of the jaws and nervous tension in the body. For example, rubbing your temples, the bottom of your neck, or even the area between your index finger and thumb can alleviate a headache.
Death Strike
The most mysterious and disturbing use of pressure points is the death blow technique or dim mak.
It is known by various names in Japan, considered the "evil twin" of acupuncture. The idea of this technique is that the energy passes through special lines (meridians) in the human body, so pressure on certain points on such lines can lead to paralysis or death.
Some martial arts experts claim that if used correctly, this technique can lead to "delayed" death. That is, pressure on an artery or meridian can lead to damage to internal organs and death in 1-2 days. Others claim that dim mak results in instant death if the right pressure is applied to the carotid artery or other important areas of the body. For example, it is believed that a blow to the solar plexus can disrupt the carotid artery and, as a result, disrupt blood circulation in the brain.
There is no scientific evidence that dim mak works, let alone causes death. However, it is fair to say that some combat techniques (a strong blow to the temple, blocking the respiratory passages, and others) can lead to malaise, lack of oxygen, loss of consciousness and (in severe cases) death.
This is usuallyoccurs due to loss of oxygen or severe damage to the brain, and not pressure on pain points on the human body. All this calls into question whether the samurai even had such a technique. More research is needed to understand the true function of these points and learn how to use them in combat as well as in medicine.
Pain points: where to hit in self-defense
Now let's look at a few of these points in more detail. Despite the fact that the existence of pain points on the body has not been proven, the impact on the sensitive areas of the human body can be very helpful in a street fight, an attack by hooligans, and the like. Where to hit?
- The pharynx is a depression in the front lower part of the neck. On impact, it can cause suffocation and lung spasm. You can also use the finger poke method.
- Solar plexus - punching causes burning pain and causes the person to double over.
- Belly, groin and kidneys - when struck with the edge of the palm or fist causes burning pain, and sometimes nervous shock.
- Knees - kicking a boot under the kneecap will immobilize the enemy.
Use techniques only in self-defense.
