Anatomical Findings at Acupuncture Loci

A number of investigators have noted the presence of neural structures beneath acupuncture loci either in superficial or deep structures only, or else in both superficial and deep structures. The fact the acupuncture loci correspond to motor points and trigger points is also now well recognized. However, the presence of venous structures beneath acupuncture loci is not so well documented. The presence of a "communicating" or "perforating" vein beneath many points, and the apparent correspondence of known common sites of such veins in the lower limbs with acupuncture points in reported. It is proposed that the failure of acupuncture analgesia and acupuncture therapy in a proportion of cases may be due to the irregularity of the sites of the perforating veins, although their sites may be somewhat more fixed than sometimes thought. The absence of acupuncture points in areas where there is also known absence of perforating veins, e.g. bony areas such as the medial subcutaneous surface of the tibia, is also put forward as "negative" supporting evidence for the relationship between acupuncture loci and perforating veins. Moreover the more recent "discovery" of so many new or "strange" acupuncture loci may be due to the irregularity of the sites of these veins in many people. It is proposed that the nature of acupuncture loci is actually two holes, one in the dermis due to a neurovascular bundle or nerve piercing it, and one (or even more) directly beneath it (although separated by subcutaneous tissue) in the deep fascia due to a perforating vein, neurovascular bundle or nerve piercing it. The correspondence of these holes may allow relatively greater passage of biological electrical current from deeper tissues to the surface of the body, and autonomic nerves at these points may thus be involved in monitoring this current for purposes of homeostasis.