Human pain points were often mentioned in the media. For example, in Star Trek, Spock uses the pressure technique on the base of the opponent’s neck to eliminate it. The authors and fans explain that this 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, of course, is impossible. However, a person becomes unpleasant and painful when someone rubs his temples too intensely or presses hard on the neck muscles located next to 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 are not known for certain. One version is that in this place the nerve endings come closer to the skin than usual, but the hypothesis has not been proved. Complicating research in this area and the subjectivity of the sensations of each person, the differences in the location of such points on the bodies of different people.
Where are they located?
All pain points on the human body can be divided into three main groups. Heads:
- eyes;
- nose;
- ears
- whiskey;
- lips
- the chin.
Torso:
- solar plexus;
- armpits;
- groin;
- kidneys
- false rib.
Feet:
Also, pain points differ in their pain. The modern method of influencing them distinguishes 5 groups:
- The first level is the weakest. Hitting such a point does not harm the opponent and can only serve as a distracting maneuver.
- The second level - has a stronger effect than the first, but also does not cause significant damage to the attacker.
- The third level can already harm the opponent. When hitting points of this level, you can stun the enemy or numb his limbs.
- The fourth level - the impact on the points of this level can lead to serious consequences: trauma, loss of consciousness and even paralysis.
- Fifth level - the impact on such points can be fatal.
It is important that the impact on the points of the fourth and fifth level is recommended to be applied only in extreme cases that threaten your life.
Scientifically
In films, we see how clicking on certain parts of the body can disable a person or even kill him, but is this true from a scientific point of view? There are many misconceptions around pain points. What is it really? Is it helpful to put pressure on them? In fact, pain points on the body can both damage, if you hit them, and help, have to massage them. Can a hit on a pain point lead to death? The answer to this question is not known.
History and Application in Martial Arts
Despite the fact that science has not proved the existence of pain points, people have long used them in hand-to-hand combat. The first mention of the use of such technology is rooted in the martial arts of Japan. It is associated with the name of Minamoto Yoshimitsu, a Japanese samurai who lived in 1045-1127. It is believed that he was the first to use pain points in battle. Minamoto examined the bodies of dead rivals. He sought to understand the structure and location of pain points and how to properly act on them to cause pain or even death. Of course, mastering this technique took many years, because not everyone knows where and at what angle to beat, when and how to get into the nerve.
However, pain points were used not only as a way to harm a person. They were actively used in Chinese medicine. The Chinese believed that the “meridional points" were the place through which vital energy passes. Acupuncture is a technique for influencing such points to achieve balance with your body, improve blood and lymph circulation, increase metabolic rate.
Although critics consider acupuncture an unscientific practice, a 2006 study showed that it helps reduce lower back pain. Massage of specific points of the body can also help with headaches caused by stress, jaw clamping and nervous tension in the body. For example, by rubbing your temples, the bottom of your neck, or even the space between your index finger and thumb, you can ease your headache.
Death Strike
The most mysterious and mind-boggling application of pain points is the technique of the death blow or dim mak.
She is known by various names in Japan, is considered the "evil twin" of acupuncture. The idea of this technique is that 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 say that when used correctly, this technique can lead to "delayed" death. That is, pressure on the artery or meridian can lead to damage to internal organs and death after 1-2 days. Others argue that dim mak leads to instant death, if properly pressed on the carotid artery or other important places in the human 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, much less death. However, it is fair to say that some military 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 usually happens due to oxygen loss or serious brain damage, rather than 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 real functions of such points and learn how to use them in battle, as well as in medicine.
Pain points: where to hit in self-defense
Now consider a few of these points in more detail. Despite the fact that the existence of pain points on the body is not proven, the impact on the sensitive areas of the human body can be very helpful in street fighting, assault of hooligans and the like. Where to beat?
- The pharynx is a groove in the anterior lower part of the neck. On impact, it can cause choking and spasm of the lungs. You can also use the finger poke method.
- Solar plexus - punching causes burning pain and causes a person to bend in half.
- Abdomen, groin and kidneys - when hit with a palm edge or fist, it causes burning pain, and sometimes a nervous shock.
- Knees - a kick under the patella will allow the enemy to be immobilized.
Use tricks is necessary only for self-defense.