What is the acupoint?

The acupuncture point is an important acupoint in the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the specific location where the qi of the viscera gathers in the chest and abdomen. It is mainly used to diagnose and treat viscera diseases. This article will start from the definition, function, clinical application and modern research of the acupoint, and systematically introduce its core content in five paragraphs: the first paragraph outlines the primary and secondary structure of the acupoint; the second paragraph analyzes the physiological role of the acupoint; the third paragraph elaborates on its diagnostic value; the fourth paragraph discusses the therapeutic application; and finally summarizes the significance of the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

The definition and physiological functions of acupoints

The acupuncture point is the corresponding reaction point of the twelve internal organs in the chest and abdomen. It echoes the back and back Shu points, forming the theory of "Shu acupoint matching" in traditional Chinese medicine. Such asZhongwan pointIt is the acupuncture point of the stomach,Guanyuan pointRecruit points for the small intestine. When the organs function abnormally, tenderness or nodules will appear on the acupoints, which become "points separated from the meridian". Modern research shows that the skin resistance in the acupuncture area is lower than that of the surrounding tissue, which may be related to the visceral-surface nerve reflex. "Acupuncture Dacheng" of the Ming Dynasty recorded: "Acupuncture points are the gateways to the internal organs", indicating their role as special channels for the infusion of Qi and blood.

The diagnostic value of acupuncture points

Traditional Chinese medicine determines the nature of the disease by palpating acupoints, such asQimen point(Liver recruitment) tenderness indicates liver qi stagnation.Juque Cave(Heart recruitment) abnormality reflects blood stasis in the heart. Clinical observation shows that patients with cholecystitissun and moon pointsThe pain sensitivity of the bile ducts is significantly increased (see table below). This diagnostic method has similarities with the theory of referred pain in modern medicine. A research team from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine confirmed through fMRI that stimulating acupuncture points can activate neural responses in the corresponding brain areas.

Therapeutic Application of Recruiting Points

In terms of treatment, the Qu point is often used in conjunction with the Back Shu point, such as moxibustion.Zhongji point(bladder recruitment) cooperationBladder YuTreat urinary retention. Clinical research from Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine shows that electroacupuncture at acupoints can increase the frequency of gastrointestinal motility by 40%. Some medical devices, such as "Kangmoxibao" (produced by Jiangsu Aifu Electronics), are specially designed for acupoint patches to assist in the treatment of functional indigestion through transcutaneous electrical stimulation. It should be noted that the depth of acupuncture at the recruitment points is shallow, generally no more than 1.5cm, to avoid damaging internal organs.

The modern significance and research prospects of acupuncture points

The theory of recruiting acupoints embodies the diagnostic wisdom of "sitting outside and looking inside" of traditional Chinese medicine, which is highly consistent with modern biological holographic theory and the viscera-body surface reflection mechanism. Current research focuses on the neurobiological mechanism of acupoint sensitization. For example, a team from Fudan University found that the concentration of substance P increased in the sun and moon acupoints of cholecystitis model rats. In the future, non-invasive diagnostic technology based on acupoint biomarkers may be developed to provide new ideas for integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Quote sources:
1. "Huangdi Neijing·Suwen" Zang-Fu Theory Chapter
2. Li Shizhen's "Eight Meridians of the Qijing" Wanli engraving of the Ming Dynasty
3. Zhang Boli's "Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine" People's Medical Publishing House, 2017 edition
4. Clinical data source: Chinese Acupuncture Society’s 2020 “Research Report on Standardization of Acupoint Diagnosis”
5. Medical device information: Product registration certificate of Jiangsu Aifu Electronics Co., Ltd. (Su Medical No. 20215643211)