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WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations
1Division of Acupuncture & Meridian, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute, Department of Applied Eastern Medicine, Graduate School and Department of Meridian and Acupuncture, Graduate School of Basic Eastern Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|February 11, 2009
Summary
The WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations aimed to standardize acupoint identification. While 86 of 92 controversial points were agreed upon, 6 require further research for improved acupuncture study validity.
Area of Science:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Acupuncture Research
- Standardization of Medical Practices
Background:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) released the Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in 2008.
- Initial standardization efforts identified 92 controversial acupuncture points (acupoints).
- Discrepancies in acupoint location identification impact study reproducibility and clinical efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish standardized acupuncture point locations for the Western Pacific Region.
- To resolve controversies surrounding specific acupoint identifications.
- To enhance the validity and reproducibility of acupuncture research.
Main Methods:
- Conducted seven informal consultations and four task force meetings.
- Involved experts and scholars in the field of acupuncture.
- Utilized a consensus-based approach to identify and agree on acupoint locations.
Main Results:
- Agreement was reached on 86 out of the 92 initially controversial acupoints.
- Six acupoints remain controversial and require further investigation.
- The standardized guidelines aim to improve understanding of acupuncture mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in standardizing acupuncture point locations.
- Further research is necessary to resolve the remaining controversial acupoints.
- Standardization will facilitate better clinical application and research in acupuncture.
