Library

The human body possesses fourteen meridians (Jingmai, meridians), fifteen collateral vessels (Luomai, collateral vessels), and twelve Yuan-Source points (Yuanxue, source points); these are indeed the pivotal aspects of the entire body. Their role as the framework and maintenance cannot be thoroughly understood without deep internalization. Regarding the method of point selection, as stated in *Biao You Fu* (Ode to Profound Elegance): "When selecting five acupoints, use one point to ensure accuracy; when selecting three meridians, use one meridian for correction." Physicians of the present age solely rely on the middle segment of the middle finger, calling it the "Same-Body Cun" (Tongshen Cun, a proportional measurement unit based on the patient's own body dimensions). They base all acupoint selections on this standard, which is likely due to a lack of deep reflection. It is unknown that the meaning of "Same-Body" lies in adapting to the size, leanness, fatness, length, and shortness of the individual's body, performing proportional calculations wherever necessary. This way, the flaw of disproportionate measurements is avoided, and the true meaning of "Same-Body" is accurately realized. If the middle finger is used as the sole standard: for a lean person with long fingers but a small body, would not the transverse cun of the back and abdomen be excessively wide? For a fat person with short fingers but a large body, would not the transverse cun of the back and abdomen be excessively narrow? The ancients specifically emphasized the "Same-Body Cun" method because it must correspond to the individual's physique, involving analysis and calculation at each location, thereby eliminating errors caused by variations in fatness, leanness, length, or shortness. For example, in the head region, from the midpoint between the eyebrows straight up to the Dachzhu bone (Dazhu, BL11) at the back is measured as 1 chi 8 cun; from the inner canthus to the outer canthus is 1 cun. All longitudinal and transverse cun methods for the head are based on this standard. For the back, from Dazhui (Dazhui, GV14) down to the coccyx is measured as 3 chi. In transverse measurements, the second row is divided into 2 cun intervals from the spine, and the third row into 3.5 cun intervals from the spine. All longitudinal and transverse cun methods for the back follow this standard. For the abdomen, from Tiantu (Tiantu, CV22) to Shanzhong (Shanzhong, CV17) is 6 cun; from the xiphisternal junction (Qigu) to the umbilicus is 8 cun; from the umbilicus to the pubic hairline is 5 cun; and between the two nipples is 8 cun. All longitudinal and transverse cun methods for the abdomen adhere to this standard. For the limbs, from Quze (Quze, PC3) at the inner elbow crease to Jingqu (Jingqu, LU8) is 1 chi; from the knee to the malleolus tip is 1 chi 6 cun; and from the malleolus tip to the ground is 3 cun. Thus, it is not solely dependent on the middle finger. Why do later generations, regardless of the back or abdomen, universally refer to the middle finger as the Same-Body Cun? This is taking the easy way out, leading to compounded errors. Therefore, I have drawn diagrams of the back and abdomen, summarizing and comparing various dimensions for the convenience of reference and point selection. If there are omissions in the examination or imperfections in the methods, I invite colleagues of like mind to correct them, so that this collection may remain without regret.