Here are some tricks that may help you memorize the location of acupuncture points.

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Acupuncture points are associated with specific diseases, functions, and body locations. Learning these associations is essential for accurate acupuncture point location. The most intuitive way to learn point locations is by rote memorization, but there are other tricks worth trying:

1) Learn the points in order – The points are organized according to how they are associated. This means that when you learn one point, it will help you remember the next point. For example, LU-7 Lieque is used for many techniques including relieving eyestrain and strengthening vision. Learning this point helps you remember LR-2 Shaoze which is also used for its effects on vision. Even if you’re not using these points clinically, learning them in order will serve as a foundation for future study.

2) Keep your hands moving – Point location should be an interactive process between your hands and eyes (or fingers and mind). Try closing your eyes or looking away while locating the point. If it feels like your point is shifting, it probably is. This means you are not being accurate with your palpation of the skin. If you are having trouble locating a tiny point but can easily find one that is larger, this is another sign that your hand-eye coordination needs some practice.

3) Write it down – Don’t rely on memory alone! Taking notes in class or when reading about acupuncture points will help ensure that you’re not skipping over important information. Keeping notes in an organized notebook or file system will make review easier when it comes time to study for exams or prepare for clinical.

4) Find the most efficient way to study – Different ways of learning produce different results; what works well for someone else may not necessarily work well for you. What seems like a giant feat one day may be easily done the next even if it was thought to be overwhelming before.