[Target points: a discussion on acupuncture treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia]

In this paper, issues of acupuncture using target points and depth of needling were discussed based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine acupoints and combined with anatomical and neurological research of Western medicine. The theoretical evidence of acupuncture on nerve foramen and ganglion and the reasons for being nonstandard operating on acupoints were analyzed. This study summarized the method of using acupuncture at Xiaguan (ST7), Cuanzhu (BL2), Sibai (ST2) and Jiachengjiang acupoints to align with the spheno-palatine ganglion and additional nerve foramen (supraorbital, infraorbital and mental foramina) to treat primary trigeminal neuralgia. This study adhered to the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture and helped in development of study standardization for acupuncture processes. The authors hoped that should help in significantly diminishing risk and improving therapeutic efficacy in clinic.