Inter-Text Comparison of Quality of Operational Definitions of Acupoint Locations, Reliability and Validity of Point Functions and Clinical Indications in Classical and Modern Texts

Choi, YB; Cobbin, DM; Walsh, SP

Inter-Text Comparison of Quality of Operational Definitions of Acupoint Locations, Reliability and Validity of Point Functions and Clinical Indications in Classical and Modern Texts

Choi, YB

Cobbin, DM Walsh, SP

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Citation:: 2014
Issue Date:: 2014-11-18

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Choi, YB https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4399-2065	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Cobbin, DM	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Walsh, SP https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7033-8547	en_US
dc.date.issued	2014-11-18	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	2014	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/129603
dc.description.abstract	Background: Acupoint location texts present sources of inconsistencies for point location, function and indications. Aims This study explored inter-text variability among a set of currently available English language point location texts and two Chinese classical sources with respect to acupoint locations and Chinese Medicine (CM) clinical indications for each of the 20 acupoints on the Large Intestine (LI) channel. Methods: Three reference texts used as benchmarks for comparing eight contemporary acupoint location texts included a Song Dynasty edition (circa 1070) of the earliest extant text, the Zhen jiu jia yi jing; the Zhen jiu da cheng (1994 edition) and the 2008 WHO Standard of Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region. Inter-text comparisons included quality of operational definitions of locations, variation in individual acupoint locations; and CM clinical indications for each acupoint using the Zhen jiu jia yi jing diagnostic patterns. Results: Since 94% of all location definitions were complete, generally texts gave reliable descriptions for locating an intended site. However for 14 acupoints, texts defined different locations, including minimal (LI4) or no agreement (LI14). Consensus was limited to six acupoints on the hand and neck. Interestingly, inter-text CM indications for individual points were unaffected by inconsistencies in location. Discussion: There were no common attributes across all 20 acupoints. The most frequent indications involved ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions (14 acupoints). Importantly, there were definite patterns of change along the sequence from fingers to face. Points on the hand, wrist and elbow regions had the most numerous and varied CM indications; they concerned distal and generalised signs and symptoms and had close relationships between three diagnostic categories: febrile, ENT, and mania and epilepsy. Mid-channel points had limited indications generally related to arm and shoulder pain or weakness. For the final four points indications concerned local signs and symptoms.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	New Horizons 2014: Improving Research through Research and Education	en_US
dc.title	Inter-Text Comparison of Quality of Operational Definitions of Acupoint Locations, Reliability and Validity of Point Functions and Clinical Indications in Classical and Modern Texts	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Life Sciences
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access

Abstract:

Background: Acupoint location texts present sources of inconsistencies for point location, function and indications. Aims This study explored inter-text variability among a set of currently available English language point location texts and two Chinese classical sources with respect to acupoint locations and Chinese Medicine (CM) clinical indications for each of the 20 acupoints on the Large Intestine (LI) channel. Methods: Three reference texts used as benchmarks for comparing eight contemporary acupoint location texts included a Song Dynasty edition (circa 1070) of the earliest extant text, the Zhen jiu jia yi jing; the Zhen jiu da cheng (1994 edition) and the 2008 WHO Standard of Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region. Inter-text comparisons included quality of operational definitions of locations, variation in individual acupoint locations; and CM clinical indications for each acupoint using the Zhen jiu jia yi jing diagnostic patterns. Results: Since 94% of all location definitions were complete, generally texts gave reliable descriptions for locating an intended site. However for 14 acupoints, texts defined different locations, including minimal (LI4) or no agreement (LI14). Consensus was limited to six acupoints on the hand and neck. Interestingly, inter-text CM indications for individual points were unaffected by inconsistencies in location. Discussion: There were no common attributes across all 20 acupoints. The most frequent indications involved ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions (14 acupoints). Importantly, there were definite patterns of change along the sequence from fingers to face. Points on the hand, wrist and elbow regions had the most numerous and varied CM indications; they concerned distal and generalised signs and symptoms and had close relationships between three diagnostic categories: febrile, ENT, and mania and epilepsy. Mid-channel points had limited indications generally related to arm and shoulder pain or weakness. For the final four points indications concerned local signs and symptoms.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/129603