ABSTRACT
The accurate location of acupoints is the prerequisite for the efficacy of acupuncture-moxibustion. Bone-length measurement, bone-proportional measurement, and proportional unit of the body measurement are commonly used in clinic for acupoints location. Based on the systematic review of the ancient literatures, this article discussed the meaning, evolution and relations of bone-length measurement, bone-proportional measurement, and proportional unit of the body measurement. It’s concluded that the bone-length measurement should be a benchmark in ancient anthropometry and an important basis for acupoints location. Bone proportional measurement, used in different genders, ages and body sizes, was based on the relatively stable proportional relations of various body parts, though some of the standards were adjusted in accordance with the correlation between meridians and acupoints. Location of points by proportional unit of the body simplified the application of bone-length measurement and bone proportional measurement, based on the ratio between short and long bones or the ratio of same body parts in anthropometry. However, proportional unit of the body measurement should be applied for the specific body parts. Bone-length measurement, bone-proportional measurement, and proportional unit of the body measurement are correspondingly the benchmark measurement, relative measurement, and simplified measurement.