OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the manual measurement of Fengshi (GB 31) between the standing position and the supine position so as to determine the location.

METHODSA total of 197 volunteers were included in the manual measurement of Fengshi (GB 31) at the standing position and 92 volunteers at the supine position. The differences were compared between the two measurements.

RESULTSThe results in the manual measurement at the standing position showed that the distance was (39.27±3.83) cm from the greater trochanter of femur to the popliteal transverse crease [(39.96±4.21) cm in males, (38.82±3.49) cm in females, < 0.05]. The distance was (19.08±2.97) cm from the tip of the middle finger to the popliteal transverse crease [(18.96±3.50) cm in males, (19.16±2.58) cm in females]. After calculating according to the formula of proportional bone measurement, Fengshi (GB 31) was located (9.28±1.44) above the popliteal transverse crease [(9.07±1.64) in males, (9.42±1.29) in females]. The results in the manual measurement at the supine position showed that the distance was (41.89±3.88) cm from the greater trochanter of femur to the popliteal transverse crease [(42.36±3.88) cm in males, (41.67±3.89) cm in females]. The distance was (23.01±3.37) cm from the tip of the middle finger to the popliteal transverse crease [(22.50±3.73) cm in males, (23.25±3.20) cm in females]. After calculated according to the formula of proportional bone measurement, Fengshi (GB 31) was located (10.51±1.69) above the popliteal transverse crease [(10.16±1.75) in males, (10.67±1.63) in females].

CONCLUSIONFengshi (GB 31) is located on the femoral region, in the depression under the tip of the middle finger at the standing position. The simple localization of the acupoint at the supine position: at the supine, the palm touches the middle of the lateral side of the thigh, about 1 directly below the depression under the tip of the middle finger. The location of Fengshi (GB 31) in female is slightly upper than male.

Acupuncture Points ; Female ; Femur ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Male ; Meridians ; Posture ; Reference Standards ; Thigh ; anatomy & histology