Modern acupuncture research often utilizes the methodology of animal experiment where hypothesized animal acupoints(AA) are stimulated and the results observed. There hasn´t been any consensus on the AA locations yet, but it is integral for the locations to be defined in detail before any experimental stimulation on the AA are instituted.
The review of 170 original articles published in the Journal of Korean Acupuncture and Moxibustion Society from 1984 to 1998 which utilized animal experiment methodology revealed that AA are located primarily by the method of transposition from human acupoints. Only a few of those AA were defined in detail. BL-23, ST-36, BL-18, CV-12, LR-3, BL-20, SP-6 were among most frequently used AA.
Transpositional 121 acupoint system of rat are proposed, which includes 3 points of LU meridian, 5 of LI, 10 of ST, 9 of SP, 4 of HT, 4 of SI, 26 of BL, 2 of KI, 4 of PC, 4 of TE, 11 of GB, 7 of LR, 13 of CV and 19 of GV.
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