OBJECTIVETo explore the theoretical basis and clinical methods for treatment of cerebrovascular diseases according to the collateral theory.

METHODSConjecture the construction components of the brain collaterals from relative description in Huangdi's Internal Classic and Classic on 81 Medical Problems; and illustrate mechanisms and the pathway of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of cerebrovascular diseases according to the theory of collaterals by means of relative theories and conclusions of experimental studies.

CONCLUSION(1) Brain collaterals are composed of collaterals of The Yangming, The Taiyang and The Governor Channels and The Changqian Collateral; (2) rich qi and blood are physiological characteristics of the brain collaterals, and pathological changes of the brain collaterals are a part of collaterals in whole body, "deficiency, toxicity, blood stasis" are pathological basis of lesion of the brain collaterals, "blood stasis" is an important pathological link of lesion of the brain collaterals; (3) acupuncture at relative acupoints of channels, pricking blood therapy at Jing points and blood-letting puncture therapy, low energy laser intravascular irradiation are clinically three effective methods for treatment of cerebrovascular diseases based on the theory of collaterals.