| Standard acupuncture charts can be purchased that | | | | medicine and the purpose was both to instruct and |
| aid in identifying the name and locations of the | | | | identify the proper location of the acupoints. In |
| meridian and acupoints on the front and back of the | | | | addition to the reasons just given acupuncture charts |
| human body. An acupuncture chart will accurately | | | | were maintained for Chinese medicine which included |
| show the location of the14 primary meridians as well | | | | reflexology, moxibution, massage and a number of |
| as some of the extra points. Most acupuncture | | | | other specialties. |
| charts also show the names and locations of meridian | | | | Illustrations Aid in Understanding |
| and acupoints on lateral sides of the human body. | | | | Acupuncture charts don't explain how to needle the |
| Normally, they also have the international standard | | | | body but rather are diagrams that show the path of |
| nomenclature and alphanumeric codes. | | | | channels or meridian conduits as well as the location |
| Some acupuncture charts come in sets that may be | | | | of acupuncture points. Because there are a great deal |
| further divided into smaller sets that show the | | | | of acupuncture points, the acupuncture charts can |
| acupoints on the whole body surface (i.e. the back, | | | | only display a fraction of the channels and |
| neck, front, back and lateral sides of the human | | | | acupuncture points which are being discussed in the |
| body, as well as the trunk of the body and other | | | | text of the chart. As a result, many acupuncture |
| parts of the anatomy contained in different layers). | | | | charts correspond with the specific body part, body |
| There are also charts that show the upper limbs. | | | | function or disorder that needs to be treated. |
| Other acupuncture charts will show the entire human | | | | A few common acupuncture charts are for the ear, |
| anatomy while others simply show regions of the | | | | foot, head and stomach. Other charts also describe |
| human anatomy. | | | | healing methods of hot and cold diseases as well as |
| The acupuncture chart first became prevalent during | | | | other ailments. |
| the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) when the Chinese | | | | The bottom line with acupuncture charts is that their |
| first printed vernacular literature in great numbers. | | | | primary function is to serve as a visual enhancement |
| However, over the ensuing hundreds of years they | | | | to the text and they are not intended to stand alone. |
| have become increasingly well known. Acupuncture | | | | Tip - For more information on Acupuncture and |
| charts appeared in manuals dealing with Chinese | | | | Chinese Medicine, check out the links below. |