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Pictogrammes
Angle of insertion: The angle of insertion recom-

mended for a particular point (see figure below) is

shown in colour. (Note that occasionally more
than one angle is possible this is signified by
colouring as appropriate).

90

45

10

(a)

90

Depth of insertion: Shallow:

Medium: 0.51 cun,

Deep:

up to 0.5 cun,
45

1 cun. (In some

cases more than one depth is possible depending

on the angle of insertion this is signified by

(b)

515

colouring as appropriate).

Caution! Organs and structures such as the eyes,

nerves, blood vessels, peritoneum (symbolised by
intestinal tissue) etc. that might be injured by
needling a particular point are shown by a symbol
together with a blue exclamation mark. A lightning
bolt signifies a point that is painful when needled.

Moxibustion: In principle all points can be treated

with moxibustion. The following options are

pointed out:

Blue colour below moxa cigar:

moxibustion particularly recommended, Question

mark next to moxa cigar: moxibustion questionable (contraindicated according to some classical
texts, but contradictory information), Moxa cigar
crossed out: moxibustion contraindicated.

Bloodletting:

Angle of insertion
a) Angle of insertion and layers of tissue: All needles are inserted
to the same depth (
the same proportion of the needle is
inserted into the tissue), but reaching different levels of tissue.
b) Angle of insertion: transverse (subcutaneously): 515;
oblique: 1545; perpendicular: 90.

Point hierarchy (Chapters 46)

In the introductions to the channels (chapters 46) the importance
of points are marked with the following symbols:
: very important, universal point
: important point
This hierarchy is of course subjective and influenced by the
authors clinical experience but has proved very helpful for
beginners.

In principle bloodletting may be

applied to all points.

Neutral pictogramme:

bloodletting possible, Blue droplet of blood:

bloodletting particularly recommended,

Blue

question mark: bloodletting questionable

Blue cup: Cupping particularly recommended.

Anatomical orientation:

A blue hand signifies

cases where anatomical structures are of particular importance for point location (for more detail
chapter 3).