Something that works in a demonstration may not work in any of the other situations. When a killer has both hands around your throat with the intention of killing you by popping your head like a pimple, do you really think a poke in the solar plexus or a jab to a pressure point will stop the attack. Whatever you do had better be very powerful and highly effective the first time you try it because you will not get a second try.

Some pressure point attacks may be useful in certain situations so they should be a part of any martial artist's arsenal of techniques. If there is an opening to an area of the opponent's body and you are attacking that area, and there is a pressure point in that area, then it may be advantageous for you to direct your attack to that point. However, waiting for a pressure point target to open or always trying to strike pressure points is dangerous, and, in a life or death situation, may end in a death—yours.

While pressure point strikes may be useful at times, many martial arts and "masters" make outlandish claims as to their usefulness and effectiveness. They develop entire systems of fighting based upon pressure point mumbo jumbo. The way for you to sort out the truth is to be skeptical, use science, logic, and reason, and not be led down a false path by charismatic hucksters.

So are there any useful pressure points?

There are three methods of pressure point application:

Surface Pressure

from ½ to 2 pounds of pressure applied to pressure points for pain and distraction.

Deep Pressure

from ½  to 2 pounds of penetration applied to pressure points for stunning and distraction.

Striking

strikes to pressure points for motor dysfunction. Strike through the target for a fixed duration of about ¾ of a second.