Topographic anatomy of acupuncture points on the upper extremities

Abstract

The upper limbs are associated with the lateral aspect of the lower portion of the neck. They are used for support, stability and locomotion, the upper limbs are highly mobile in order to be capable of positioning the hand in the space around. However, they are far away from the organs that have vital importance. The nerves and the vessels on the upper extremities are protected by powerful muscles. The specialists have to be careful about pricking nee­dles on the wrist, elbow and shoulder. Here are the meridians on the upper extremity: Heart Meridian (HT), Large Intestine Meridian (LI), Lung Meridian (LU), Pericardium Meridian (PC), Small Intestine Meridian (SI), Triple Heater Meridian (TH), Urinary Bladder Meridian (UB). Because of being closer to n. medianus, and a. ulnaris, the specialist has to be more careful when working with the HT and PC meridians.