[On two modes of channel theories]

In the present paper the authors explore the differences in both theoretical and clinical significance between centripetal mode and cyclical mode which are the two modes of channel theories presented successively, from the following factors: (1) The centripetal mode focus on the regularity in the distant effects of acupoints on four limbs and embodies the primary meaning of hand-foot meridians, the cyclical mode explains qi-blood circulation mode and reflects the TCM knowledge of the principle of the coordination from structure and function of the whole body; (2) Most formation of channels and acupoints is based on the centripetal mode in stead of the cyclical mode; (3) The key reasons resulted in the major academic mistake in current research on channel knowledge are unknown or confusion of the different channel mode, under illusion about the cyclical mode is the subject or representative of channel theory and explaining or research on channels and acupoints within the framework of the cyclical mode of channels theory.