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Three methods are usually applied for locating acupuncture points clinically, as listed in Fig. 13-5.

Fig. 13-5 Methods used for locating acupuncture points

In practice, it is often necessary to combine all three methods when locating an acupuncture point. The methods primarily used are the anatomical* landmark* and proportional* bone (skeletal) measurement. The finger-cun measurement* can be used when it is difficult to locate the acupuncture point with the above two methods.

The Anatomical Landmark Method
体表定位法

This method utilizes anatomical landmarks on the surface of the body to locate acupuncture points. Anatomical landmarks may be classified into two types: fixed landmarks and movable landmarks.

Fixed landmarks refer to protuberances* or depressions* formed by the joints and muscles, contours of the eyes, ears, nose and mouth, fingernails and toenails, the nipples, the navel and so on. For example, the location of GB34 is described as "anterior and distal to the head of the fibula*."

Movable landmarks refer to the gaps, depressions, wrinkles and peaks which appear along with the movement of joints, muscles, tendons and skin. For example, SI19 is located in the depression formed just anterior to the center of the tragus* when the mouth is opened slightly.

Proportional Bone (Skeletal) Measurement Method
骨度分寸定位法

This method uses landmarks on the body surface, primarily joints, to measure the length and width of various parts of the body.

Standardized measurement systems for length and width generally require adoption of an international unit system. It is impossible to use any absolute standard value to determine the location of acupuncture points on the human body due to the vast differences in peoples' sizes and heights. Only by using the equal proportional measurement method, also known as the proportional bone (skeletal) measurement method, can the proper location of acupuncture points be established for all population groups and individuals. This method was adopted by WHO as the standard measuring unit for acupuncture points at an international conference held in Seoul, Korea, in 1987. This measuring unit has therefore been adopted in these guidelines for location of acupuncture points.

This standard stipulates the methodology* for locating acupuncture points on the surface of the human body. The standard is applicable for teaching, research, clinical service, publication and academic exchanges involving acupuncture.

Using joints on the surface of the body as the primary landmarks, the length and width of every body part is measured by such proportions. Proportional bone (skeletal) cun (B-cun) method divides the height of the human body into 75 equal units, then estimate the length and width of a certain part of the body according to such units. One unit is equal to one cun.

The Finger-Cun (F-cun) Measurement Method
指寸定位法

The finger-cun measurement method refers to the proportional measurement method for locating acupuncture points based on the size of the fingers of the person to be measured (Fig. 13-6). This method is mainly used on the lower limbs. When locating an acupuncture point, the practitioner, in addition to using the proportional bone (skeletal) measurement method, may use the finger-cun measurement of the patient in order to verify the standard location of the acupuncture point.

Fig. 13-6 The finger-cun (F-cun) measurement method

In middle-finger cun measurement*, the distance between the ends of the two radial creases of the inter-phalangeal joints of the middle finger is taken as 1 F-cun, when the thumb and the middle finger are flexed to form a circle (Fig. 13-6A). In thumb measurement*, the width of the inter-phalangeal joint of the thumb is taken as 1 F-cun (Fig. 13-6B). In finger breadth measurement*, when the index, middle, ring and little fingers of the subject are extended and closed together, the width of the four fingers on the dorsal crease of the proximal inter-phalangeal* joint of the middle finger is taken as 3 F-cun (Fig. 13-6C).