Syndrome Differentiation and Meridian Attribution: TCM Acupoint Selection Methods

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the method of selecting acupoints based on syndrome differentiation and meridian attribution is a core clinical practice. This approach, known as 'Bian Zheng Gui Jing' (辨证归经), involves analyzing the patient's symptoms and signs according to the theory of zang-fu organs and meridians. By determining which meridian or organ system the disease belongs to, practitioners can select specific acupoints along the corresponding meridians to achieve therapeutic effects.

For disorders affecting the Lung and Large Intestine, select points from the Hand Taiyin Lung meridian and Hand Yangming Large Intestine meridian, along with their corresponding back-shu and front-mu points. Common points include:

For Spleen and Stomach disorders, select points from the Foot Taiyin Spleen meridian and Foot Yangming Stomach meridian, along with their back-shu and front-mu points. Key points include:

For Heart and Small Intestine disorders, select points from the Hand Shaoyin Heart meridian, Hand Jueyin Pericardium meridian, and Hand Taiyang Small Intestine meridian, along with their back-shu, front-mu, and lower-he points. Important points include:

For Kidney and Bladder disorders, select points from the Foot Shaoyin Kidney meridian, Foot Taiyang Bladder meridian, and Ren meridian, along with their back-shu and front-mu points. Key points include:

For Liver and Gallbladder disorders, select points from the Foot Jueyin Liver meridian and Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder meridian, along with their back-shu, front-mu points, and Kidney meridian points. Important points include:

The principle of meridian attribution is applied in clinical practice as follows:

By integrating syndrome differentiation with meridian theory, practitioners can achieve precise and effective acupoint selection, enhancing therapeutic outcomes in TCM practice.

References

The content is based on classical TCM texts and modern clinical practice:

• Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) - Suwen and Lingshu, foundational texts on meridian theory and syndrome differentiation.
• Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage) by Zhang Zhongjing - discusses pattern differentiation and treatment.
• Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) by Yang Jizhou - comprehensive guide on acupoint selection.
• Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) by Li Shizhen - references to organ-meridian relationships.