Pain or sensitivity to pressure is the surest index of accurately finding the point.

If there is something wrong with any organ or part of the body, its corresponding point becomes very sensitive and tender. The pressure on the area around the exact point gives less pain. If the disease is a minor one or is insignificant, a bit vigorous and continuous pressure may have to be applied on the point. But the area around the pressure-point is not sensitive or less sensitive to that much pressure.

The question is how to accurately locate the acupressure point. To make acupressure treatment successful and to get optimum benefit thereof, it is essential that the acupressure point be correctly found out. Unless this is done, expected benefits are not gained.  The pictures and supplementary drawings given in acupressure clearly explain and indicate the exact location of acupressure points. Look carefully at the pictures and figures and try to understand them. Then estimate the exact location of the point in question on your body. You will need to use a mirror to locate the points on those parts of your body which you cannot directly see (e.g., ear).

Nevertheless it should be remembered that each individual body differs. You may be taller or shorter than the normal standard or the constitution of your body may be broad or narrow or of some different kind. So if the distance of any point from a known or apparent part of the body is to be found or indicated, units of measurement like centimeters and inches are of no use, and so special units of taking measurements have to be applied for this purpose.

There are other signs also which are often helpful in finding the exact pressure-point:

(1) The colour of the point in question appears different from that of the area around it- it appears yellowish, white or red.

(2) The skin on that point looks swollen or rough. Tiny area.

(3) The point in question is warmer than its surrounding area.

(4) Some specialists use a special kind of electric device to locate the correct pressure-point. According to them, an acupressure-point shows very little resistance against electricity.  In other words, an acupressure-point can be stimulated even by a weak electric current; but the  response of the area around the point is quite different.