Anatomical Aspects and Role of Acupoints and Meridians Adopted in Acupuncture Technique

Abstract

This chapter enumerates the crucial role of acupoints which are simple manipulations at specific points of the body and the interconnected pathways known as meridians in the operation of acupuncture, a practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Then this journey goes to the nomenclature and classification of these specific acupoints and meridians. The World Health Organization and International Standardization Organization have organized a comprehensive system of nomenclature for acupoints for humans and animals respectively and so has traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Similarly, the purpose of these TCM acupoints along with other WHO acupoints is also illustrated in this discussion. Similarly, the classification and different forms of meridians are also highlighted in this chapter. The major categories of these meridians include Primary meridians which are further divided into twelve different sub-meridians depending on the organ that they are connected with or that they are supplying the pathway. Then there are extraordinary meridians and eight extraordinary vessels which serve to supply the regions other than the major organs of the body such as hormonal and neuronal systems. So, they are named according to the purpose they serve such as conception vessel or governing vessel. Similarly, the nomenclature used for meridians in animals is also emphasized and encapsulated in this discussion, the purpose of discussing different nomenclature for humans and animals for both acupoints and meridians is to have a broader perspective to learn and to have a wide lens to deeply understand all the features of these anatomical aspects used for acupuncture.