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Preface
‘An acupuncture point is located where it is located’ – like veins,
arteries or nerves, the location of acupuncture points may vary.
Consequently, locating and stimulating acupuncture points is an
individual process in each patient, similar to locating veins or
arteries for puncture. The goal of this atlas is therefore to help
acupuncture students and therapists find the correct location of
acupuncture points. Ultimately, the exact location of an
‘acupuncture hole’ will be where it can be palpated, addressed
energetically in a safe way, and – most importantly – where it
will be therapeutically effective.
Acupuncture therapy requires not only the knowledge to locate
individual points but also an understanding of the context of
these points. This atlas therefore includes both a description of
the individual points as well as the central idea – the channel
system.
The core chapters 4, 5 and 6 contain single page portraits of all
the channel points as well as extra points used in body acupunc-
ture. The clearly structured page layout, complemented by pic-
tograms, allows for quick access to the clinically relevant
information for the location and indication of individual points.
Clear step-by-step instructions guide the reader through the sur-
rounding surface anatomy to the correct location of the point.
Figures with the relevant anatomical structures, as well as draw-
ings showing channel pathways pertaining to the relevant region
of the body, provide a further practical aid for correct point loca-
tion. The text and the photo details also contain information
regarding other points located in the vicinity or points in compa-
rable locations in other parts of the body. This not only draws
attention away from the individual points to the larger anatomicalorientation, but also fosters an understanding of the context
between the location and the action of a given point.
Chapter 7 presents the channel points according to the anatomi-
cal region – including illustrations of anatomical overview as
well as text/picture details. This format will deepen the under-
standing of the anatomical relationship between the channel
points and complete this academic concept. Chapter 2 ‘Location
Methods and Cun Measurements’ and Chapter 3 ‘Anatomical
Orientation’ provide further support in locating the individual
points. The modified illustrations in these chapters are based on
the well-known Sobotta Atlas.
Chinese medicine practitioners work with the Qi and its flow. In
this context the individual ‘acupuncture hole’ has both an
anatomical and an energetic component and is an intrinsic part of
the channel and vessel network, which provides an exchange
between the body’s Exterior and Interior. In this way Chapter 1
describes the network of channels and vessels, and Chapter 8 the
point categories and point combinations, explaining them in
terms of their effects with relation to channel energetics, and pre-
senting them in a clearly defined and visually organised manner.
Chapter 9 contains up-to-date information and data about the sci-
entifically proven effects or otherwise of individual points.
I hope the new edition of this atlas will provide a valuable help
to students and therapists alike in studying acupuncture and
applying the information in clinical practice. I look forward to
hearing your constructive criticism and ideas.Claudia Focks, March 2008Prelims-F10028.qxd 2/23/08 11:38 AM Page V