Martial arts trains one to locate and use techniques to apply to pressure points of the attacker.
There are a number of these points throughout the body.
Many times when pressure is applied and intense pain is felt by the assailant an attack can be stopped.
In this article we will show why using pressure points is important during a self-defense encounter.
Pressure points are nerve endings located throughout the body.
Martial arts and self-defense practitioners are taught where the most vulnerable areas and points are located.
If attacked a victim can counter with a hit, pinch or squeeze to one of these nerve endings.
This can cause immense pain to the attacker and end the confrontation.
Oftentimes in a self-defense situation attacking pressure points is the only option a victim has.
Pressure point manipulation can be just as effective as any martial arts technique in subduing an assailant.
The ability to apply pressure point techniques correctly requires an extensive understanding of the human nervous system.
The ability to stop an attacker quickly is crucial to keep from being seriously injured.
Striking some parts of the body cause an involuntary nervous system reaction.
These nerves are the sympathetic nerves and cause a sympathetic reaction.
If the nose is struck the eyes will tear up.
If one eye is attacked with a finger or thumb the other eye closes.
A human has no control over these responses, they are automatic.
A sympathetic response may confuse or delay an attacker long enough for the victim to escape.