The Anatomic Basic For Manual Therapy On The Acupoints Of Knee Joint

Through dissecting knee joints of cadavers which locate the most common used acupoints such as Xuehai(SP10),Liangqiu(ST34),Xiyan(EX-LE5),Heding(EX-LE2), Yanglingquan(GB34),Yinlingquan(SP9),Weizhong(BL40),we define anatomic basic of manual therapy on the acupoints of knee joint in order to provide anatomic evidence for clinical application and therapy mechanism.Methods:The location of acupoints of Xueha(SP10)i,Liangqiu(ST34),Xiyan(EX-LE5), Heding(EX-LE2),Yanglingquan(GB34),Yinlingquan(SP9),Weizhong(BL40) and lines of meridians and collaterals were positioned on knee joints of 8 cadavers preserved by formalin.The structures were layerly dissected on the acupoints along the line.The morphological features,the source and distribution of nerves were observed.Results:There were rich cutaneous nerves in fibroareolar fasica and high density distribution of nerve ending in muscle,tendon and ligament.Most of acupoints in knee joint were spread on rami and articular branches.The articular branches distributed into structures around and inside of the joint,formed an extensive nerve network of somatic and automicum nerve. Conclusion:There were rami or articular branches and rich nerves endings passing and spreading on the acupoints of knee.One of the therapeutic mechanism is probably through stimulating these nerves structures to reach treatment purpose.At one hand, the methods of manipulation and acupuncture can stimulate nerves and improve the threshold of enduring pain through cutting down the reflect arc by stretching nerves; At another hand,manipulation and acupuncture can release pain by stimulating the located circulation of blood,promoting the absorption of mediators of inflammation, decreasing the stimulation of receptor of pain around the end of nerves.