Acupuncture Points of the Lumbar Plexus

Abstract

This communication is the fifth in a series of six publications describing acupuncture points by anatomic nomenclature. This article describes acupuncture points in the lumbar region of the posterior body wall, the inguinal and pelvic regions of the lower abdomen, and the medial surface of the thigh and leg. Acupuncture points in these regions are generally established by anatomic features of the lumbar spinal nerves. Nerve branches of the posterior primary rami of the lumbar spinal nerves and the lumbar plexus provide the anatomic basis for acupuncture points in these regions and are used to name the points accordingly.

The Case for Local Needling in Successful Randomized Controlled Trials of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Follow-Up Systematic Review

“…For many decades, acupuncture practitioners and anatomists have attempted to correlate the location of acupuncture points to peripheral nerves, spinal segments, and spinal plexuses. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17] This neuroanatomical theory of acupuncture suggests that acupuncture's effect is mediated via afferent input through the peripheral nervous system, eliciting a reflex at the level of the spinal cord via the sympathetic plexuses and via efferent input to the visceral organs and skeletal muscle. 18,19 In the case of local needling in close proximity to a nerve, acupuncture's likely mechanism of action is direct mechanical stimulation, such as pressure on the perineural tissues by the needle in manual acupuncture or electrical current stimulation of the nerve with EA.…”

“…These correlations are known and have been explored before. [13][14][15][16]40 Clinical Implications…”

Introducing a Standardized Acupuncture Protocol for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Series

“…Since the 1980s, acupuncture practitioners and anatomists have attempted to correlate the location of acupuncture points to peripheral nerves, spinal segments, and spinal plexuses. [19][20][21][22][23][24][25] This neuroanatomical theory of acupuncture suggests that acupuncture's effect is mediated via afferent input through the peripheral nervous system, eliciting a reflex at the level of the spinal cord via the sympathetic plexuses and via efferent to the visceral organs and skeletal muscle. 26,27 The neurophysiologic testing to support these theories is lacking so far and further study on the local, direct effects of acupuncture on the peripheral nervous system is needed.…”