The Incorrect Translation, Misinterpretation and Misunderstanding of "Superficial Fascia" in Acupuncture / 针刺研究

ABSTRACT

The "superficial fascia" is often interpreted as "tendon-membrane like structure" in acupuncture field and it is speculated that acupuncture stimulation-induced structural alteration of the superficial fascia may contribute to the alleviation of many medical conditions. The fact is that the superficial fascia mainly consists of subcutaneous adipose tissue and fibrotic network (which function in storing, supporting and buffering external pressure and are not responsible for producing "Deqi" or "needling sensations"), and has no typical tendon or membrane structure in hypodermis. In the present paper, the author tries to clarify its incorrect translation, misinterpretation, and misunderstanding in acupuncture and propose that the target of acupuncture stimulation is probably not only the subcutaneous soft tissue per se, but also the contents in subcutaneous soft tissue network as the nerves, blood vessels, lymph-vessels, cutaneous accessory structures, mast cells, multiple movable cells, related receptors, etc.