OBJECTIVETo probe into the reflection of "artery" phenomenon in human channels.

METHODSFind out the discussion about "artery" from ancient medical books and compare with Chinese ancient philosophy thoughts.

RESULTSIn TCM, "artery" has been used as reference in differentiating channels. The circulation system of channels is possibly established on the expectation of "to and fro circulation" in the Chinese philosophy, and the power of channels originates from the qi stored between the kidney, and the pricking blood therapy was used for treatment of many kinds of diseases in ancient times.

CONCLUSIONStudy on channels should pay attention to this link of "artery".