The Anatomical Structure of Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture Point Microstructure Discovery 

Acupuncture point LU11 (Shaoshang) has a confirmed anatomical composition. Researchers using fluorescence microscopy determined that the epidermal and underlying dermis layers of acupoint LU11 contain high densities of connexins, important intercellular communication structures. The researchers note that their findings support the principle that acupuncture points are “structurally defined entities.”

Connexons are comprised of connexins and are proteins that form gap junctions. A gap junction allows ions and molecules to pass between cells. When two adjacent cells align, a connexon in the membrane of one cell lines up with a connexon in the membrane of another cell. This creates an aqueous pathway for ions and molecules to transfer between the cells.

Connexins are the building blocks of gap junctions. There are six connexins that form a connexon and two connexons that form a gap junction. The researchers note that if the connexins found in LU11 form gap junctions or hemi-channels, they potentially contribute to rapid changes in electrical resistance in local tissues.

The researchers discovered an increase of connexin 26 and connexin 43 densities compared with controls. The increased densities extended to the stratum spinosum, stratum basale, subcutis, sweat glands, blood vessels, and fibrocytes. This research provides insight into the physical structure of acupuncture point LU11

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