Although many kyūsho points share many locations with the ‘tsubo’ (壷) of acupuncture and shiatsu, there are sufficient explanations within western medicinal science to account for the effects, when attacking these points. Although, it may be attractive to do so, in my opinion we should not confuse actual verifiable physical effects with pre-scientific attempts to explain such phenomena.

Kyūsho points may have shared the same nomenclature with acupuncture at some point in history, but Inoguchi Matsunosuke (井の口松之助) writing circa 1895 states that:

“About a hundred years ago (around the 1810's), any author whom tried to write about (the sakkatsu-jutsu) had completely rejected and abandoned the Classics and Classical material content, preferring instead material based chiefly upon Western style autopsy dissections.”

- (From: ‘Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū Jūjutsu Seiri-sho’ (天神眞楊流 柔術生理書 - Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū Jujutsu Physiology Book) translated by Logan Weymouth.)

An examination of the writings of Okinawan martial artists such as: Mabuni Kenwa, Funakoshi Gichin, Soken Hōhan and Tōyama Kanken, shows that they all refer to kyūsho by variations of common designations (similar to the chart shown in this article), rather than using acupuncture terminology.

It may be, that contemporary writers and researchers such as George Dillman choose to use acupuncture designations as a kind of ‘short hand’ for the locations of points. That certainly does not detract from the excellent work they have done in bringing this subject to a wider audience.

The other side of kyūsho is known as ‘Kappō’ (or ‘Katsu-hō’ 活法 resuscitation techniques) and these are techniques that are used to restore body function after an attack. Quite sensibly, both subjects are usually taught together. Thus, if someone is rendered unconscious, then we should also be able to revive them. An example of such a technique is shown in the illustration below:

The kyūsho chart (above) is from the Jigō Tenshin-ryū (自剛天真流) - points as described in 'Kenpō Gokui Atemi Sappô Kappō Meikai' (拳法極意當身殺活法明解) ‘The secret teachings for a clear understanding of Kenpō striking, killing & revival methods’by Fujita Seiko (藤田 西湖), 1958.