Dim Mak Pressure Points
Types, Groups and Functions

In the art of dim mak or dian xue, it is very important to learn that the Chinese pressure points tradition classifies points according to the repercussions or effects that are caused when one of these pressure points is used in the martial arts.

Regarding the types of pressure points used for self defence, there are points that cause intense pain, points that can temporarily cause paralysis (numbness or neuralgia), points that can knockout people and there are also points that are lethal. These lethal points are commonly referred to as Death Points and should not be used because the effect is fatal. On the other hand, there are also vital points that can heal the body.

A frequent mistake that is commonly made by many untrained pressure point teachers is to include points that are tender or sore to the touch. Basically these points are useless and should not be used in self defence.

While most pressure points used in dim mak are situated on meridians, or channels through which Chi and blood circulate, they do not all have the same effect, or same intensity of effect.

Those points that are selected for use in self-defence applications are chosen because they have specific energetic functions. In remembering the point used for pressure point fighting, it’s important to know the specific functions of each point, and to help you with this, pressure points are grouped together into categories based on what they do.

When we speak of energetic functions, it is important for you to remember this:

… while there are more than a thousand acupuncture points that exist on the body, not all these points are used in pressure point fighting.

You must know this fact:

Dim mak is NOT acupuncture.
Acupuncture is not dim mak.

We cannot just pick an acupuncture point -- or copy a part of, or copy an entire acupuncture manual and call it a list of pressure points for the martial arts. That would be a blatant lie.

The fact is this:

The principles of traditional acupuncture and Chinese medicine are used to EXPLAIN everything about this art.

Now let's continue.

Some of the pressure points used fall into more than one group, that is, these points have more than one function. The more groups that a point belongs to, the worse the effect will be on your assailant if this point is struck.

There are however, a group of points that only belong to one group, but because of the functions they perform, they are death points. This is because of their unique internal connections to other meridians, or in some cases, because they are very close to internal organs.

As you progress through your study, you’ll learn more and more about the pressure points so it is a good idea to know about the connections between points and meridians, a point’s specific function and the effects of a strike to this point.

Understanding these connections and functions is important; the more you know about a point’s function and its grouping, the more effective your self defence will be because you’ll be able to choose points appropriately for the results you want to achieve.

To gain an understanding of the original use of pressure points, please see my book Two Dragons of Dim Mak: Pressure Points for Healing and Self Defence Order your copy here

--- If you would like to learn about the types of pressure points to use while you train regularly, please call us on our central telephone number 9796-1066 for class times and fees or email us through our contact-us form.

More articles on martial arts pressure points

You can see below more articles that explain some of these categories and the specific functions of each of these groups. The more familiar you become with the location, function and categorisation of pressure points, the better and more confident you’ll be in practising this art.

So please come back here regularly to our website and don't forget to subscribe to our Ezine Newsletter so you don't miss out on important articles.

1. Here is an article to help you learn about pressure point targets used in dim mak.
2. Click here to learn how pressure points are not all equal - a Liver 13 Zhang Men example
3. Click here to learn pressure point Liver 3 Tai Chong, an example of point groups and functions
4. Click here to learn about Dim Mak Pressure Points Knockout - Martial Arts Technique Causes Unconscious

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