[Correspondence between meridian circuit and somato-segment arrangement]

Area of Science:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Anatomy
• Embryology

Background:

• Meridian theory is a core concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
• Ancient Chinese medical practice has long been summarized and refined into meridian theory.
• This theory describes a system of pathways in the body related to health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reconstruct the theoretical system of meridian theory.
• To propose a "binary structure" doctrine for meridians and acupoints.
• To explore the relationship between this structure and human anatomy (dermatomes).

Main Methods:

• Theoretical reduction and reconstruction of the meridian system.
• Analysis of meridian and acupoint arrangement (longitudinal in limbs, horizontal in head/trunk).
• Correlation with embryonic development, specifically the "somite" and its derivatives.

Main Results:

• A "binary structure" doctrine for meridians and acupoints has been proposed.
• The arrangement of meridians and acupoints relates to dermatomes.
• A "structure-function unit" complex forms within embryonic "homo-segments" (dermis-muscle-organ-nerve).

Conclusions:

• The proposed binary structure provides a framework for understanding meridian and acupoint organization.
• The embryonic somite and homo-segment development are fundamental to meridian pathways.
• This framework explains the basic characteristics of pathological reactions and therapeutic effects related to meridians and acupoints.