[Analysis of the distribution of xi-cleft points in Qiao and Wei meridians]

The xi-cleft points of Qiao and Wei meridians (heel and link vessels), were first described in Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), and their conceptual framework remain consistently elusive. During the development of meridian theory, the intrinsic meridian attribution of xi-cleft points of Qiao and Wei meridians gradually disappeared, and these points were subsequently reassigned to the various regular meridians distributed in the lower limbs. This study explores the commonness of Qiao and Wei meridians with regular meridians from the perspective of meridian evolution, and verifies the therapeutic content of xi-cleft points, so as to attempt reconstructing the system of xi-cleft points in Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing. It is proposed that the changes in meridian tropism of these xi-cleft points are based on meridian distribution and clinical manifestations, and such changes result from both the constraints of numerological system of meridian, and the requirement to establish the circulatory theory of fourteen meridians. It is summarized that the evolution of meridian tropism reflects the ancients' need to integrate meridian theory, and reveals the unique value of Qiao and Wei meridians as the early framework of meridian theory, thereby reevaluating the academic status of Qiao and Wei meridian that had been marginalized in history.