Objective, approach and symbolic achievement of the standardization on extraordinary points / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

Through sorting out the development of meridian points and the standardization of extraordinary points in dynasties, two objectives are discovered in the standardization of extraordinary points starting from the Tang Dynasty. The points with extraordinary effect are selected points and transferred to meridian points and the commonly-used key points are selected and developed to be standardized acupoints. Hence, 3 approaches are summarized. Approach No.1: a large number of "meridian-outside" points that are the potential supplementation but not included yet in meridian points are supplemented to meridian points. Approach No.2: based on the specified requirement, the key points are selected from the acupoints with determined locations and names, which is developed to be the standard of acupoints. Approach No.3: the acupoints with extraordinary effect are selected from the "meridian-outside" points and these points are collected for the formulation of the standard of extraordinary points. The latter two approaches provide for the development direction of teaching and standardization in the future.