The paper summarizes Professor YANG Jun's experience in treatment of refractory facial paralysis with the refined mode of acupuncture and moxibustion, so as to provide new ideas and methods for the disease treated with acupuncture and moxibustion. Professor YANG Jun puts forward the refined mode of diagnosis and treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion for refractory facial paralysis. On the basis of syndrome/pattern differentiation of TCM, combined with meridian theory and modern anatomy, the symptom differentiation and meridian differentiation are performed accurately. By selecting local acupoints (e.g. Touwei [ST8], Sibai [ST2], Cuanzhu [BL2] and Yangbai [GB14]), distal acupoints (e.g. Zusanli [ST36], Hegu [LI4] and Jinsuo [GV8]), specific acupoints (e.g.Qianzheng [EX-HN16] and Touqiaoyin [GB11]) and the acupoints for regulating the mind (e.g. Dazhui [GV14] and Shuigou [GV26]), the prescription is composed. The different needling techniques are delivered at the acupoints (e.g. point-to-point needling with long needle, stuck needling by lifting and dragging, and balance needling on the healthy side). Besides, the facial rehabilitation is considered as the adjuvant treatment. This mode of treatment obtains the precise diagnosis and treatment to achieve the utmost therapeutic effects.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Male ; Meridians ; Female ; History, 21st Century ; History, 20th Century

Professor LI Zhidao puts forward the application of "group acupoints" in his clinical practice by imitating the mutual reinforcement and mutual assistance of Chinese herbal medicine. It is based on the theory as "where is the acupoint located, what are the indications of this acupoint"; and consists with the specific actions of ancient needling techniques at acupoints. The distribution of "group acupoints" is in line with the "located by the region division of the head and trunk, and by the meridians on the four extremities", which is recorded in Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (the Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion). It shows "the importance of the relationship between acupoints and zangfu", and "the emphasis on the distribution of nerves and muscles" respectively. In clinical practice, controlling needling sensation is the essence of this technique at "group acupoints", the integration of acupoints and needling technique is the basic requirement, and the step-by-step needling manipulation is critical for obtaining the therapeutic effect. "Group acupoints" combined with specific needling technique advance the application efficiency and the effect of acupoints.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Humans ; China ; History, 20th Century ; Meridians ; Medicine in Literature ; Acupuncture/history*

By analyzing the understandings of water points (acupoints connected with the kidney) and its association with water (kidney), zangfu organs and meridian-collateral recorded in Suwen: Shuire Xue Lun (Discussion on Water and Heat Diseases in Plain Question), it is found that the recognition on the water points is different from that on water diseases in Huangdi Neijing (the Yellow Emperor 's Inner Classic). The recognition on the water points focuses on the core theory, "rooted at the kidney", to explain the water diseases. Besides, in association with the study on the connotation of "luo" in Huangdi Neijing, it is discovered that "yinluo" discussed in water points is actually the misunderstanding of "zang zhi yinluo" that means "the connection by the kidney". It is shown that the discussion of water points refer to the elaboration of zangfu organs and 57 acupoints connected with water (the kidney), rather than the theory of collaterals. The characteristics of these 57 acupoints involved and the related needling techniques provide a new approach to the treatment of zangfu diseases.
Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Meridians ; China ; History, Ancient ; Medicine in Literature ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history* ; Acupuncture Therapy/history*

In the era of big data, neuroimaging and algorithmic analyses have propelled brain science research and brain mapping. Acupuncture, widely recognized as an effective surface stimulation therapy, has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy for various brain conditions such as stroke and depression. However, the mechanisms linking acupuncture to brain function and its modulatory effects on brain activity require systematic exploration. Additionally, there is an urgent need to scientifically reinterpret traditional meridian theory and enhance its clinical applicability. Therefore, we propose the initiative of constructing a "brain mapping atlas of meridian, collateral and body surface stimulation" to explore the patterns linking the therapeutic effects of stimulating the twelve meridians, eight extraordinary vessels, divergent channels, collateral channels, sinew channels, and skin regions to brain function. This initiative aims to provide a scientific interpretation of traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory and enhance its practical applicability. This paper begins by reviewing the current state of brain mapping. It then summarizes existing research on the relationship between acupuncture and the brain, highlighting the necessity of constructing this atlas. The paper further analyzes the methodologies and technical challenges involved. Finally, the potential applications of the brain mapping atlas of meridian, collateral and body surface stimulation, and its main significance in advancing traditional meridian theory to keep pace with the times are prospected.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Meridians ; Big Data ; Brain/physiology* ; Brain Mapping

The paper reviews the evolution of the theory related to meridians and zangfu organs during the Warring States, Qin and Han dynasties, so as to reveal the rules and value of its development. By analyzing historical documents, especially Zubi Shiyimai Jiujing (Moxibustion Classics of Eleven Meridians of Legs and Arms), Yinyang Shiyimai Jiujing (Moxibustion Classic on Eleven Yin and Yang Meridians), Laoguanshan bamboo medical slips of Han Dynasty and lacquer figure of meridian points, the evolutionary stages, i.e. the germination, development, and maturity of meridian-zangfu theory, are explored. In the time of the Warring States, Qin and Han dynasties, the meridian-zangfu related theory was developed from the germination to the maturity. In the classics of the early time, Zubi Shiyimai Jiujing and Yinyang Shiyimai Jiujing demonstrated the preliminary relationship between meridians and zangfu organs, focusing on the physiological connection and pathogenesis of three yin meridians of foot and zangfu organs. In the literature of Laoguanshan bamboo medical slips of Han Dynasty and lacquer figure of meridian points, the physiological connection between the yin meridians of hand and foot, and five zang organs, as well as the related diseases were further clarified; additionally, the meridian-zangfu theory had been developed in the field of diagnosis and treatment. In the era of Chapter of Meridians in Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot), there were up to 31 descriptions relevant with the connection of meridian distribution and zangfu physiological functions. It marks the construction of the "circular" flow of meridians and the interior-exterior communication of zang and fu organs; and enriches the knowledge in diseases, diagnosis and treatment with meridians and zangfu organs involved. The review on the evolution of the meridian-zangfu theory is conductive to supplementing and improving the development history of this theory of early time, and further recognizing its development rules and value. The maturity of this theoretical system not only links the meridians with the five zang and six fu organs, but also provides an important theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.
Meridians ; Humans ; History, Ancient ; China ; History, Medieval ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; History, 18th Century ; History, 17th Century ; History, 16th Century ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*

The correlation between meridians and zangfu organs is one of the core contents of the theory of zangfu organs and meridians, which has significant research value and clinical application potential. In this paper, the research literature on correlation between meridians and zangfu organs in the past five years is sorted out and summarized, and it is found that more clinical application basis is added in meridian-diagnosis, and a new situation of high-quality evidence-based medicine is opened in the aspect of meridian-treatment. In terms of internal connection and biological mechanism, the neurobiological characteristics and regulatory mechanism represented by "heart meridian-heart" are illustrated. The research model of the relationship between the meridians-zangfu organs and the brain, which combines the functional connection of the brain network in clinic and the basic neural circuit mechanism under the premise of the "effect law", is clearly proposed.
Meridians ; Humans ; Brain/physiology*

The paper introduces Professor SUN Shentian's experience in clinical practice of Ningshen (tranquilizing the mind) point. This point is an empirical point discovered by Professor SUN on the basis of meridian differentiation, nerve function and anatomic location, and in association with the years of clinical practice. The point is located in the prefrontal area, jointed with the distribution of the governor vessel, and responded to the body surface projection area of the frontal pole. It works on regulating the mind, regaining consciousness, improving cognition, alleviating depression, mutually treating physical and mental disorders, as well as unblocking collaterals, regulating the tendons and relieving spasm. This point is widely used in treatment of mental disorders, stroke and extrapyramidal diseases and obtains the reliable therapeutic effect in clinical practice.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; China ; Meridians ; History, 20th Century

The paper introduces the experience of Professor LI Rui in treatment of diseases with bloodletting therapy. Regarding acupoint selection, the main acupoints are selected from the meridians containing excessive blood based on the identification of pathogenesis, and the back-shu points of the foot-taiyang bladder meridian are predominant. The acupoints (e.g. Geshu [BL17], Xuehai [SP10] and Weizhong [BL40]) acting on blood regulations are frequently selected, and the acupoints from the governor vessel (e.g. Dazhui [GV14], Zhiyang [GV9] and Yaoyangguan [GV3]) are specially used for regulating yang qi. Besides, the five-shu points and local points are combined in the prescriptions. This paper expounds the connotation of bloodletting therapy, explores the basis of acupoint selection and clinical application characteristics, and analyzes the clinical cases, so as to provide the approaches to acupoint selection for the clinical application of bloodletting therapy.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Bloodletting ; Meridians

This paper summarizes Professor SUN Yuanzheng's academic thought and clinical experience in treating diabetic retinopathy (DR) with yuan-primary and luo-connecting meridian-regulating acupuncture. Professor SUN considers that the fundamental cause of DR lies in visceral dysfunction, with stagnation in the ocular collateral vessels and impairment of the mysterious orifices being the core pathogenesis. He proposes the treatment model of "regulating viscera, unblocking ocular collaterals, and opening mysterious orifices" based on yuan-primary and luo-connecting meridian-regulating acupuncture. Yuan-primary and luo-connecting points are used to balance qi, blood, yin, and yang of the viscera. Baihui (GV20) is stimulated with transcranial repetitive acupuncture to activate the yang qi of the governor vessel and invigorate qi in the twelve meridians, improving systemic microcirculation. Combining this with stimulation of ocular areas, Fengchi (GB20), and periocular points, the stasis in the ocular collaterals are cleared and the mysterious orifices are unblocked, addressing both the root and manifestations of DR.
Humans ; Diabetic Retinopathy/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; Meridians ; Acupuncture Points ; Qi

This study explores the diagnosis and treatment of needle knife therapy for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at middle and advanced stage based on the theory of meridian tendons, from a holistic perspective and syndrome differentiation. The treatment strategy includes "harmonizing yin and yang" to address root causes and "tendons-based release" to harmonize qi and blood, with the "tendons nodule points" as the core acupoint selection criterion. Based on this approach, the study systematically elaborates on two needle knife methods for AS: "governor vessel bone-piercing technique" and "below-the-umbilicus release technique", covering indications, acupoint location, and procedures. Clinical case examples are provided to enrich needle knife therapy guided by the theory of meridian tendons, offering insights for clinical and research work on AS.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Meridians ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing/physiopathology* ; Tendons/physiopathology*