How Big Is an Acupoint?

Lei Li,Chuen-Heung Yau,To Yau

doi:10.4236/cm.2013.41006

Abstract

The structure and size range of an acupoint were investigated thoroughly according to the expositions of ancient classics. It was revealed that the ambiguous way of thinking by the ancient Chinese had a great impact on the formation and development of the acupoint-concept. Hence all descriptions of an acupoint’s structure and size range have the characteristics of ambiguity. The structure and size range of an acupoint are determined not only by the outlook of depression and blood vessel areas, but also its relationship with other acupoints in its vicinity. The different manipulations of puncturing recorded in the Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Medicine also show the ambiguous nature of the structure and size range of an acupoint. In theory, an acupoint has been characterized as various forms, which should not be limited to a mere round dot shape.

Highlights

IntroductionHow to define the size range has become a major concern when it comes to the study of an acupoint, for it is closely related to clinical applications of acupuncture therapy
It was revealed that the ambiguous way of thinking by the ancient Chinese had a great impact on the formation and development of the acupoint-concept
An acupoint has been characterized as various forms, which should not be limited to a mere round dot shape

Summary

Introduction

How to define the size range has become a major concern when it comes to the study of an acupoint, for it is closely related to clinical applications of acupuncture therapy. Most of the acupoints are located in the depressions between bones and joints or muscular interstices. In view of the origin of acupoints, their formations are closely related to the blood vessels. In the Yuan Dynasty, Dou Hangqing mentioned when defining the locations of acupoints, “At the Yang level lateral to the muscle and bone, depressions as existent; at the Ying layer between hollow and poles, corresponding to the artery [2].”. Acupoints are closely related with the blood vessels, which no doubt reflected the hollow characteristics of acupoint structure

The Acupoint Possess Diverse Structural Features

The Size of an Acupoint Depend on Its Location

See the Ambiguous Nature of Acupoint’s Size from Acupuncture Manipulation

Conclusion