Atlas of Acupuncture

2 Location Methods and Cun Measurements

2.3.3 Spreading Hands Technique

According to König and

Wancura

The spreading hands technique is particularly useful for quickly

determining the midpoint of a given distance. For this purpose,

the little fingers of each hand are placed on the endpoints of the

distance to be measured. Both hands are then evenly spread over

the distance. The thumbs are joined in the middle, indicating the

midpoint of the distance.

Examples:


 To determine the midpoint of the 16 cun-distance between the

popliteal crease and the prominence of the lateral malleolus,

the little fingers are placed on both endpoints of this distance

(Fig. 2.11)


 To locate Du-20, the hands are placed on the lateral aspects of

the patient’s head, with the little fingers touching the apices

of the ears. The thumbs are then joined on the vertex of the

head, and will be pointing to Du-20(Fig. 2.12).

Highest

prominence of the

lateral malleolus

8 cun

8 cun

ST-35

(Level of the

popliteal

crease/knee

joint space)

Midpoint

Fig. 2.11

Du-20

Little finger

on the apex

of the ear

Little finger

on the apex

of the ear

Midpoint

Fig. 2.12