1.2 General introduction Definition of the acupoints Acupoints are the sites through which the Qi of the Zang-Fu organs and Meridians is transported to the body surface.

About the Definition of the acupoints Get it from the surface of the body It connects the Zang-Fu organs and Meridians with the body surface Reflect the condition of the Zang-Fu organs and Meridians Regulate the disorders of the Zang-Fu organs and Meridians as a stimulated site in accupuncture therapy

1.2.1 Classification of the Acupoints 1.Regular (meridians)points---acupoints of the fourteen meridians1.Regular (meridians)points---acupoints of the fourteen meridians 2.Extra points---Extraordinary points 3.Ashi points---Tender spots

Regular(meridians) points with regular names with regular locations with pertaining to definite meridians(distributed along the twelve regular meridians and the Du and the Ren meridians--- the fourteen meridians) major part of the acupoints with number of 361 in total

Extra Points With regular names With regular locations Without pertaining to definite meridians (be not included in the fourteen meridians) Especially effective in treating certain diseases With total changed sometimes(new point may be found)

Ashi points No specific names No definite locations No pertaining meridians Tender spots and sensitive spots

1.2.2 Therapeutic properties of acupoints(functions of acupoints) 1.Local and adjacent therapeutic properties 2.Remote therapeutic properties 3.Special therapeutic properties

therapeutic property feature of treatmentsuitable points local to treat disorders of the local area and of nearby tissue and organs all the acupoints, especially the acupoints located on the head,face and trunk remote to treat disorders of the local tissues and to treat disorders of the viscera,tissues and organs associated with the meridians in their distribution. some even to treat the disorders of the whole body regular acupoints, especially the acupoints of the twelve meridians located below the elbow and knee special have bi-directional effect also known as favourable bi- directional regulating effect;have relative specific therapeutic properties certain acupoints extra acupoints

Special acupoints definition of the special acupointsdefinition of the special acupoints Classification of the special acupoints

Special acupoints refer to the acupoints on the four-teen meridians with special curative effect- A majority of the acupoints bear special effect and are commonly used in clinical treatment.

There are ten types of special acupoints Five-Shu acupoints below the knees and elbows. Yuan-Source (primary)acupoints located around the wrists and ankles. Luo-Connecting acupoints(the twelve meridians luo- connecting points located below the knees and elbows,the others are located on the trunk). Lower He-Sea acupoints. Xi-Cleft acupoints(except ST34.all located below the knees and elbows) eight convergent acupoints located below the knees and elbows. Back-Shu acupoints located on the tnmk Front-Mu acupoints located on the tnmk eight confluent acupoints located on the whole body. crossing acupoints located on the whole body.

About each of the special acupoints Five-Sbu acupoints 1.definition: Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River and He-Sea which are five acupoints located on the twelve meridians below the knees and elbows. situated in the above order from the distal extremities to the elbows or knees. 2.Functions: Jing-well to treat mental diseases,febrile diseases and emergent cases. Ying-spring : febrile diseases Shu-stream:heaviness in the body and joint pain Jing-river :cough and asthma due to exogenous pathogen He-sea: the disorderd of the six fu-organs, such as vomiting,diarrhea.

Yuan-Source acupoints 1.definition: the regions where the primary qi of the viscera flows by and retains located around the wrists and ankles reflect the pathological changes of the viscera. 2. Functions :used to diagnose and treat the disorders of the related viscera.

Luo-Connecting acupoints 1.definition: the points where the fifteen collaterals stem from the twelve meridians, the governor and conception vessels as well as the major collateral of the spleen. the twelve meridians Luo-Connecting acupoints located below the elbows and knees. The other Luo-Connecting acupoints located on the trunk. 2.functions: the disorders of the regions where the meridians and collaterals run through the disorders to the meridians in external and internal relation.

Xi-Cleft acupoints 1. Definition: the sites where qi and blood of the meridians are deeply converged. amounting to sixteen in all( Each of the twelve meridians and the four extraordinary v meridians (Yin heel vessel, yang heel vessel, Yin link vessel and Yang link vessel) ) Location:All the Xi-Cleft acupoints located below the knees and elbows., except Liangqiu (ST 34) on the stomach meridian, 2. Functions: Clinically to treat severe acute disorders of the meridians. The Xi-Cleft acupoints on the yin meridians to treat various blood syndromes The Xi-Cleft acupoints on the yang meridians treat various pain syndromes.

The eight convergent acupoints 1. Definition: the eight acupoints on the twelve meridians that are connected with the eight extraordinary vessels. Locations: located below the knees and elbows 2.Functions: treat disorders of extra meridians and those of the regular meridians.

The lower He-Sea acupoints 1. Definition : six acupoints on the three yang meridians of the foot The sites where qi from the six fu organs converges.2.Functions: treat the disorders of the six fu organs