Differentiation and analysis on YAN Ming-guang and XU Feng's Najia fa (day-prescription of acupoints) / 中国针灸

The traditional Najiafa (day-prescription of acupoints) can be classified into two schools of YAN Ming-guang and XU Feng. The author studied the YAN Ming-guang and XU Feng Najia fa from the aspects of the academic source, selection of points, existing researches and current application. When compared between the two schools, it is held that Najia fa of YAN Ming-guang school more accords with the law of point selection according to Ziwu Liuzhu Zhenfa (acupuncture based on the midnight-noon and ebb-flow doctrine) in following the original doctrine, selection of points on the base of day-prescription, and time-meridian relation of Sanjiao (triple energizer) and Pericardium meridians. Therefore, it is concluded that the YAN's Najia fa should not be neglected and forgotten. Its inheritage and further study should be carried out so as to enrich the ways of study as well as the prevention and treating methods in clinic.

Discussion on time standards of acupuncture based on Ziwu Liuzhu / 中国针灸

Designation of days and hours in terms of the heavenly stems and earthly branches is held as an important basis for point selection according to the ancient acupuncture theory of Ziwu Liuzhu (midnight-moon ebb flow). While the heavenly stems and earthly branches are predicted on the base of particular times. Therefore, what standard of time should be adopted is essential for acupuncture based on Ziwu Liuzhu. The article has pointed out the possible errors in adopting Beijing time, local mean solar time and real solar time. It proposes that real solar time should be adopted as the time standard for acupuncture based on Ziwu Liuzhu in the view of analysis of the theory itself and history background of the generation of the theory. It is also suggested to explore a particular software or establish a website for assistance of the acupoint selection.