How did it start?It was believed that the idea of pressure points was initially discovered by the Chinese more than 5,000 years ago. They found that pressing certain points on the body helped to relieve pain and influenced internal organs. We now call it acupuncture. The history of pressure points in martial arts is vague. The concept of pressure points in martial arts was found in old-school Japanese martial arts during the 17th century. It was believed that its origin was earlier than that. Takuma Hisa Sensei declared that Minamoto no Yoshimitsu was the contributor in the first development of pressure points in martial arts. Who was Minamoto no Yoshimitsu?He was the founder of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu in the 11th century in Japan. Yoshimitsu made a careful study of human anatomy by examining bodies on battlefields and execution grounds to determine the most effective strikes, blows, holds, joint locks, and pins.
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What are pressure points?Pressure points are areas on the surface of the body that are sensitive to pressure. This can be a nerve cluster or sensitive areas of muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and veins. Pressure points are used by martial artists to cause pain, to injure or to take the opponent down. They are also utilized in therapy and in massage. Acupressure and Shiatsu focus on pressure points to treat the human body. Where are pressure points?Pressure points are all over the body. The top five most painful and vulnerable areas on the body are eyes, groin, Adam's apple, knee caps, and temples. Why do pressure points hurt?When pressure is applied to a pressure point, it pinches nerves or disrupts a normal operation of the body. When a nerve is pinched against a bone or muscle, a signal is transmitted by pain receptors (nociceptors) down the peripheral nerve pathway and up to the thalamus and then the central nerve system. This is how and why your body feels pain. When blood flow or air is cut off, the body reacts with pain to urge the body to restore normal function. Pain is also the reaction when joint pressure points are pushed to the limit to warn people that damage may occur if the pressure is not removed. Most people react to pressure points. However, between 10-15 percent of the population are resistant and don't feel much pain.
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