Research On The Concept Of "Selecting Acupoints According To The Meridians" As Recorded In The "Emperor’s Canon Of Medicine"

Aim and Significance of Research:The term "selecting acupoints according to the meridians" does not appear in recorded ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine accounts. However, the concept of selecting acupoints according to meridian channels can be derived upon studying ancient TCM classics. The classic "Emperor’s Canon of Medicine" records over 400 acupuncture prescriptions, upon studying the pattern of acupoints selection in these prescriptions, it can be concluded that "selecting acupoints according to the meridians" is a core concept, and that it plays a vital role in guiding the physician as they determine which acupoints to prescribe.The aim of this research is to collect and summarize the various acupuncture prescriptions as recorded in the "Emperor’s Canon of Medicine" to further understand and learn the methodology of "selecting acupoints according to the meridians", and also to further grasp the characteristics and disease indications of the 14 main meridians. Ultimately, this will result in better acupoints selection, allowing physician to achieve greater clinical efficacy.Although there are already many modern publications that research on the concept of "selecting acupoints according to the meridians", but few base their studies on the classic "Emperor’s Canon of Medicine". One factor maybe that although "Emperor’s Canon of Medicine" records many acupuncture prescriptions, but these prescriptions are scattered along different chapters, making it difficult for the reader to summarize the concepts involved.However, studying ancient TCM classic acupuncture prescriptions is essential for the advancement of acupuncture, so that concepts that are utilized in acupuncture can be traced back to an ancient origin. Therefore, the significance of this study is in summarizing the concepts of acupuncture in "Emperor’s Canon of Medicine", it is able to contribute to the advancement of acupuncture, especially giving weight and basis to the concept of "selecting acupoints according to the meridians".Methods:1.Analyze all the acupunctural prescriptions described in the "Emperor’s Canon of Medicine" and systematically collect and record all the prescriptions and methods which relate to the concept of "selecting acupoints according to the meridians" in order to gain a better understanding of this concept;2. Study other ancient classics as well as modern publications which describes the concept of "selecting acupoints according to the meridians";3.Read and summarize other publications and the works of other authors that studied acupunctural prescriptions in the "Emperor’s Canon of Medicine";4.Conduct in-depth research on the acupunctural prescriptions in the "Emperor’s Canon of Medicine" which utilizes the concept of "selecting acupoints according to the meridians", summarizing and analyzing the patterns and logic involved, as well as the impact it has on the development of acupuncture.Conclusion:To study and conduct classification of the acupunctural prescriptions stated in the TCM classic "Emperor’s Canon of Medicine", and by in-depth analysis and summarization of the prescriptions achieve better understanding of the concept and methodology of "selecting acupoints according to the meridians", ultimately proving its significance in clinical applications.