Was acupuncture developed by Han Dynasty Chinese anatomists?

Anat Rec (Hoboken).
2016 Feb 9. doi: 10.1002/ar.23325. [Epub ahead of print]
Was acupuncture developed by Han Dynasty Chinese anatomists? Shaw V
1,2, McLennan AK
3.
Author information Abstract Anatomical dissection has begun to reveal striking similarities between gross anatomical structures and the system of nomenclature used in traditional Chinese acupuncture. This paper argues that acupuncture point nomenclature is rooted in systematic anatomical investigation of cadaveric specimens, and that acupuncture points and meridians are purposefully named to reflect observable physical form. Two types of evidence are compared: observations of physical structures based on anatomical dissection, and translation and analysis of original Chinese texts. Evidence is contextualised through in-depth practical understanding of acupuncture. Points designated as tian (heavenly/superior), xia (below/inferior), liao (bone-hole), fei (flying), wei (bend) and xi (mountain stream/ravine) are investigated. These acupuncture point names: (a) specify position; (b) reflect function and/or form; (c) indicate homologous structures; (d) mark unusual structures; and/or (e) describe the physical appearance of a deep (dissected) structure by likening it to a homologous everyday object. Results raise intriguing possibilities for developing an understanding ofacupuncture points and meridians firmly based in the material and functional anatomy of the human body. Such an understanding has the potential to open new fields of thought about functional anatomy. It also has implications for future investigations into the mechanisms of acupuncture, and gives some insights into the possible origins of this iconic area of Chinese medicine. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.