ABSTRACT
Based on the traditional theory in (), the acupuncture effects of non-acupoints on the body surface were explored. There are the effects of the non-acupoints on meridians, the effects of five tissues (local effects, resonance effects, five- effects and particular effects) and regional effects (nearby effects, structural corresponding effects, holistic effects and the special effects on the specific regions), etc. The innovative recognitions are proposed. ① Stimulating the non-acupoint sites on the body surface generates definite effects, not limited to the local nearby effects. For example, the resonance effects and five- effects are generated by stimulating five tissues. The counter-acting force presents between five tissues and five- organs. ② The regional effects are rich in content and its mechanisms on the induction, coordination and correspondence are not in reference to , meridian and collateral, but are related to the characteristics of activity of the regional body itself. ③ Acupuncture presents not only the effects of the abstract meridian-collateral and the acupoints, but also the effects of concrete five tissues and regions. Acupuncture therapeutic effects may result from the cumulative effects, especially related to the stimulation of the strength by the needle tip. ④ Regarding the differences in the effects between the meridian points and non-acupoint stimulation, the former attaches the importance on " ", which is abstract and dynamic and the later on "shape", which is concrete and static.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture Points , Meridians , MoxibustionABSTRACT
The anatomical structure of acupuncture points is the carrier for needling stimulation induced neurobiological effects. Although researchers have never stopped investigating its structure and experienced different stages from macroscopic to microcosmic morphological material basis, our understanding still largely lags behind the requirements of the times. In the present paper, we review development of researches on acupuncture points in recent decades from 1) macroscopic anatomical structure including skin, bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, etc.; 2) macro-microcosmic structure as the thickness of skin and muscles, distribution of blood vessels and nerve fibers, and innervation; 3) microstructure including cell categories (mast cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, etc.), peptidergic nerve fibers, various receptors, chemical substances, and their relationship with the brain and immune-endocrine system (cutaneous-neuro-immune-endocrine-mental biological communication), etc. These research outcomes will not only help us demonstrate the acupoint's structure better at the level of the body surface and regional anatomy, but also, at the microstructural level, reveal different kinds of cells and their chemical compositions in its structure as well as their relationship with the regulatory system of the whole body. From the perspective of the cutaneous and systemic neuro-immuno-endocrine networks, it undoubtedly prompts us to profoundly explore the underlying biological mechanisms of acupuncture. To observe the regional mutual connection and interaction of different kinds of cells and their chemical mediators and molecules in the acupuncture point will improve our understanding about the nature of acupuncture points from the static to the dynamic point of view. This might be a new approach for us to further reveal the functional roles of acupuncture points.
ABSTRACT
Acupuncture is the leading discipline of traditional Chinese medicine and undertakes the communication between traditional Chinese medicine and other natural sciences. With the rapid development of life science and technology and the exponential growth of knowledge, traditional acupuncture faces significant opportunities and challenges. In the context of great development of life sciences, we have re-recognized acupuncture, and we believe that acupuncture effects have corresponding material basis and regulatory mechanisms. The full embodiment of life science in the definition of acupuncture will contribute to the synergetic development of clinical and basic acupuncture research. In this paper, we discussed the value of acupuncture in life science based on the concepts of acupuncture and material basis of acupuncture effects.