The positional relation of the superior cervical ganglion with different anatomical structures were investigated, using cadavers, in order to devise the methods of acupuncture to the superior cervical ganglion. Furthermore, the anatomical structures penetrated by a needle which was inserted with the methods of acupuncture thus devised were investigated using another group of cadavers. The results obtained are as follows.
1) The superior cervical ganglion was located just above the bifurcation of the common carotid artery and medial to the angle of the mandible. The height of location of the ganglion was 30mm below the mastoid process, 21mm below the transverse process of the atlas, and 40mm above the lateral edge of the body of the hyoid bone.
2) From the above positional relation, we devised the method of acupuncture in which a needle was horizontally inserted from the lateral surface of the neck to the front of the transverse process of the cervical vertebra at the height 30mm below the mastoid process. We named this method the lateral acupuncture.
3) When considering on the basis of the lateral edge of the body of the hyoid bone, the superior cervical ganglion was located at the angles 15° lateral and 45° above.
4) From the above angles, we devised the method of acupuncture in which a needle was inserted from the lateral edge of the body of the hyoid bone at the angles of 45° above and 15° lateral. We named this method the anterior acupuncture.
5) The inserted needle of the lateral acupuncture reached the superior cervical ganglion at high frequency, it, however, had high possibility of penetrating the external and internal carotid arteries and the internal jugular vein.
6) The inserted needle of the anterior acupuncture reached the ganglion at slightly lower frequency, it, however, had lower possibility of penetrating the large vessels.