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Lecturer: QU Hongyan
Acupoints
General Introduction to acupoints
1. concept
2. classification
3. therapeutic properties
4. specific points
5. methods for locating acupoints
1. Basic concept of acupoints
The places for acupuncture and moxibustion,
also known as acupuncture points, acupoints or points,
are the specific sites where the qi of zang-fu organs
and channels is transported to the body surface.
Points are not only the reflecting places of
disorders but also the sites to receive the stimulation
by acupuncture and moxibustion.
2. Classification of Acupoints
Fourteen meridian points
Extraordinary points
A-shi points
Meridian points
concept——have fixed names and
locations; belong to fourteen
meridians.e.g. Hegu(LI4)、Zusanli(ST36) Go例
features——they have definate names、
fixed locations and meridian tropism
effect——treat the disorders of the
pertained meridians Back
Extraordinary points
concept——the points that have definite
locations but have not been recognized
as points of the fourteen meridians have
specific names and effective indications.
e.g.Taiyang(EX-HN 5)、Shixuan(EX-UE 11) GO
examples:
ocular regions
upper abdomen
the knee
A-shi point——can treat the
localized disorders of itself
(2)Remote properties
concept:the meridian points, especially
those of the 12 meridians located below
the elbow and knee joints, are also
effective for disorders of the tissues and
zang-fu organs so far as the course of
their pertaining meridians can effect.
e.g.the five-shu points
basis:“the indications of points extend to
where their pertinent meridians reach”。
examples:
Hegu(LI 4)
Zusanli(ST 36)
(3)Special properties
concept:some points have certain special
effects such as bi-directional regulation,
general regulation, and other specific
actions.
basis:clinical practice
examples:
Tianshu(ST 25)、Neiguan(PC 6)
Dazhui(GV14)、Zhiyin(BL67)
4. Specific points
Specific points refer to those points of the fourteen
channels that have special therapeutic effects and are
specifically named under certain categories.
the commonly used specific points are Five Transport
points, Yuan-Source points, Luo-Connecting points, Xi-
Cleft points, Back-Shu points, Front-Mu points, Lower-He
Sea points, Eight Influential points, Eight Confluent points
and Crossing points.
Five transport points
The lateral
Lower limbs
continue
back
Back
back
back
(2) Measurement with Anatomic Landmarks
concept:locating by referring
to the anatomic landmarks on
the body surface.
types:
fixed anatomic landmarks
moving landmarks
(3)Finger measurement
Concept:using the length and
width of the patient’s finger (s) as a
standard to locate points.
Types:middle finger measurement
thumb measurement
four-finger measurement
(4) Simplified Measurement
It is a simple method used to
locate points.
For instance, when the patient
stands erect with the hands close
to the legs, Fengshi(GB 31)is
where the tip of the middle finger
touches the leg.