[The sensitization phenomenon of acupoint and biological significances]

In the pathological conditions, the human body induces somatic sensory exchanges and takes neurogenic inflammatory reactions according to referred visceral organ. Acupoint possesses both diagnosing and treating functions according to the acupuncture theory. The sensitization of acupoint refers to a pathophysiological dynamic change which is manifested predominately as a neurogenic inflammatory reaction in the specific area(s) of the body surface under pathological conditions. Furthermore, the process of acupoint from "silent" (physiological status) to "active" (pathological status) is generally represented by the dynamic changes of acupoint location, size and physicochemical environment. These responses of acupoint sensitization simultaneously activate self-healing system in the body and eventually induce the curative effects.