"Pain-point needling": an interpretation based on the context and therapeutic principles of muscles along the twelve regular meridians

Abstract

"Pain-point needling", a term of acupuncture medicine from the Chapter Jingjin (Muscles along Meridians) of Lingshu Jing (Miraculous Pivot), is one of the selection principles of acupuncture and moxibustion stimulation spots, and is an integral part of the theory of Jingjin. The statement style of the Jingjin theory in Lingshu imitates that of the twelve regular meridians theory. From the perspective of the evolution process of the meridian theory, it is a continuation of the literature from Jianbo Maishu (Bamboo Slips Book and Silk Book on Meridians) to Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic). In this context, meridian diseases are treated with acupoints, while Jingjin disorders are treated with "pain-point needling" rather than acupoints. The theoretical framework of the two is strictly relative. This phenomenon is due to the strong position of the meridian and acupoint theory at that time, which affects the reasoning habit of acupuncture and moxibustion literature. The correct understanding of "pain-point needling" will also involve the understanding of "Ashi point" and its relationship with the acupoints, so as to help us clarify the concept of the acupoints, and then construct the category of "acupuncture and moxibustion stimulating points", which may solve the problems existing in the current theoretical system of acupuncture and moxibustion.