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Anterior (or ventral) means of relating to the front surface of the body. For example, the forehead is on the anterior side of the body. Posterior (or dorsal) means pertaining to the back side of the body. For example, the back of the head is posterior to the face. Proximal* refers to the side near the point of attachment to the trunk or near the beginning of a structure. For example, the proximal end of the upper arm bone joins with the shoulder bone. Distal* is the side far from the point of attachment to the trunk or far from the beginning of a structure. For example, at the distal end, the humerus* joins with the lower arm bones at the elbow. The word "inferior" is used to describe something below another structure, whereas the term "superior" is used to describe something above another structure. When you talk about something pertaining to the middle, you may choose the term medial, as opposed to lateral, the fifth finger is medial to the other fingers. Contralateral* means on or relating to the opposite side (of the body); for example, the left arm is contralateral to the right arm or to the right leg. To describe something on the same side of the body, it is ipsilateral*, for example, the left arm is ipsilateral to the left leg.

During acupuncture treatments, patients should be either sitting or lying down. This can prevent fainting or other possible accidents. We never insert needles in a patient who is standing. Proper posture of a patient is decided by (1) his /her main problem and his /her ability to sit or lie, (2) the area in which the needles will be inserted, and (3) the practitioner's experience. Both patient and practitioner should feel comfortable.

The positions for having patients lie down that are employed for acupuncture treatment include lateral decubitus* (left or right, Fig. 17-2), supine position* (Fig. 17-3), and prone position*(Fig. 17-4).

Fig. 17-2 Lateral decubitus

Fig. 17-3 Supine position

Fig. 17-4 Prone position

The lateral decubitus position is selected to reach acupoints on one side of the body. The supine position is used to reach points on the face, head, chest, abdomen, and the front of the arms and legs. The prone position is chosen to reach points on the head, neck, lumbar, buttocks and posterior areas of the lower limbs.

The sitting position is also very commonly employed for acupuncture treatment. The patient sits with the hands supporting the lower jaw (Fig. 17-5) for the practitioner to apply needles to points on the head and neck. The patient sits with the side of the head resting on a pillow (Fig. 17-6) so that the practitioner can reach points at the lateral side of the head, neck, shoulder and arm. Sitting with the head bending forward (Fig. 17-7) is chosen to reach points on the head, neck and back. Sitting with the head bending back (Fig. 17-8) is selected for points on the head, face, neck and thoracic region. Sitting with the arms resting on a pillow (palms up, down or thumbs up, Fig. 17-9 and 17-10) is selected for points on the head, face, neck, shoulder and arm.

Fig. 17-5 Sitting with the hand supporting the lower jaw	Fig. 17-6 Sitting with the side of the head resting on the pillow	Fig. 17-7 Sitting with the head bending forward
Fig. 17-8 Sitting with the head bending back	Fig. 17-9 Sitting with the arms resting on a pillow (palms up)	Fig. 17-10 Sitting with the arms resting on a pillow (thumbs up)