Atlas of Acupuncture

Pictogrammes

Point hierarchy (Chapters 4–6)

In the introductions to the channels (chapters 4–6) the importance

of points are marked with the following symbols:

■■: very important, universal point

■ ■: important point

This hierarchy is of course subjective and influenced by the

authors’ clinical experience but has proved very helpful for

beginners.

Angle of insertion:The angle of insertion recom-

mended for a particular point (see figure below) is

shown in colour. (Note that occasionally more

than one angle is possible – this is signified by

colouring as appropriate).

Depth of insertion: Shallow:up to 0.5 cun,

Medium:0.5–1 cun, Deep:
1 cun. (In some

cases more than one depth is possible depending

on the angle of insertion – this is signified by

colouring as appropriate).

Caution!Organs and structures such as the eyes,

nerves, blood vessels, peritoneum (symbolised by

intestinal tissue) etc. that might be injured by

needling a particular point are shown by a symbol

together with a blue exclamation mark. A lightning

bolt signifies a point that is painful when needled.

Moxibustion:In principle all points can be treated

with moxibustion. The following options are

pointed out: Blue colour below moxa cigar:

moxibustion particularly recommended, Question

mark next to moxa cigar:moxibustion question-

able (contraindicated according to some classical

texts, but contradictory information), Moxa cigar

crossed out:moxibustion contraindicated.

Bloodletting:In principle bloodletting may be

applied to all points. Neutral pictogramme:

bloodletting possible, Blue droplet of blood:

bloodletting particularly recommended, Blue

question mark:bloodletting questionable

Blue cup:Cupping particularly recommended.

Anatomical orientation:A blue hand signifies

cases where anatomical structures are of particu-

lar importance for point location (for more detail

➞chapter 3).


 
 







  





Angle of insertion

a) Angle of insertion and layers of tissue: All needles are inserted

to the same ‘depth’ (the same proportion of the needle is

inserted into the tissue), but reaching different levels of tissue.

b) Angle of insertion: transverse (subcutaneously): 5–15°;

oblique: 15–45°; perpendicular: 90°.

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