Perspective, responsibility, and safe practice notes for pressure point study.
The study of pressure points has been the greatest and the worst thing I have ever done. Oh man, there's that Yin/Yang thing again. I am discovering a new way to look at things, not just techniques, but all things.
That in itself has been very rewarding, but with increased knowledge comes many more questions and self evaluation. However, the main direction of my studies is how this information applies to what we do, which is essentially the practice of warriorship.
Learning these applications and theories is an overwhelming task which will take years of study, never seeming to get to the end. Do you need to be a scholar to be a better martial artist? No. Learning techniques with specific targets is a great way to start and you will have a potentially higher self defense success rate.
But if you really want to be able to apply this information in combat and in virtually any situation at any time as I do, then you will need to have a full understanding of the system and theories that govern it. Now you decide which way you want to go. I am just presenting a perspective.
Phil Peplinski
The application of pressure points to self-defense situations has tremendous benefits for everybody. The more knowledge you have going into something, the better off you are. But with it comes some responsibility.
Historically there are a lot of known effects associated with specific pressure point attacks. It is important to know that there are no clinical studies to verify this information since they ran out of willing volunteers. However, some of the effects can be loss of consciousness, impaired motor functions, death, or no effect at all.
Using your common sense should come first and foremost when practicing pressure point applications. Do not thump your buddy just to see what will happen. Know something about what you are doing and take your studies seriously.
There are people who believe that the practice of pressure point application is totally safe. Then there are those who believe that this practice can be harmful in the long run. The effects of constant, long term practice are not known. Since it is very likely that there is neurological involvement with the pressure points, be aware of possible long term negative effects on health. Press here at your own risk.
ACK! ACK!