A Brief Introduction to the Topographic Map of the Acupoints in the Human Body

Abstract

Background: It has been established that human trunk acupoints exhibit a segmented distribution pattern along the vertical body axis, corresponding to their clinical functions. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate the distribution characteristics of acupoints in the human body. Methods: Based on the human anatomy, the body is divided into 17 different regions. According to the functions of the acupoints, we constructed matrices of the acupoints on the anterior and posterior trunks as well as on the upper and lower limbs in humans and further analyzed the characteristics of these matrices. The limb acupoints were projected onto a two-dimensional plane via dimensionality reduction through the unfolding of a cylindrical surface. The distribution patterns of these acupoints were further examined based on the functional matrices of the limb acupoints. Results: The acupoints on the anterior and posterior trunks of the humans exhibit topographic maps aligned along the vertical axis. Moreover, the acupoints on the upper and lower limbs exhibit topographic maps along two distinct axes, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that acupoints on the anterior and posterior trunks, as well as on the upper and lower limbs in humans exhibit topographic maps along their corresponding axes.

Keywords

• acupuncture points
• axes of acupuncture points
• distribution pattern
• topographic maps